Improving youth mental health through nonprofit collaboration and community action

Millions of young people across the United States are facing mental health challenges. To help address this growing need, The Cigna Group and its philanthropic arm, The Cigna Group Foundation, are investing in community organizations that connect young people and the adults that support them with education, resources, and care. 

“Health is shaped by the people, places, and connections around us every day – our communities. By investing in organizations that meet people where they are, we can help schools, clinics, and community programs connect more young people with care and support them over time.” Sara Quist, president of The Cigna Group Foundation

Youth mental health also has implications for the workforce. When children and teens need mental health support, parents and caregivers may spend time coordinating care, attending appointments, or responding to urgent needs. On average, working parents of a child with mental health challenges spend 7.7 hours per week managing their child’s needs. They also report that up to four workdays per month are disrupted by starting late, leaving early, or missing days to tend to activities related to their child’s mental health. By helping families connect with resources in their communities, youth mental health programs may help ease pressures that can affect caregivers’ attendance, productivity, and well-being at work.

The Improving Youth Mental Health 2026 Impact Report shows how nonprofit partnerships, community investment, and employee volunteers are continuing to connect more young people with mental health support where they live, learn, and grow.

Here are key takeaways from the report.

Expanding access through community-based partnerships

In the 2025–2026 academic year, The Cigna Group Foundation invested more than $3 million in 25 nonprofits across 10 states. Organizations reached 44,000 more people than the previous year, expanding the reach of mental health resources and care for children and teens, as well as the adults who support them. The projects also helped community members manage stress, build resilience, and navigate challenges. 

Together, these projects are helping more young people get the right support in ways that reflect the needs of their communities.

Reaching more young people where they live, learn, and grow

In its second year, this grant program reached more than 78,000 young people, families, and professionals, with services delivered in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as clinical settings.

Delivering measurable gains in access, resilience, and connection

The Foundation’s nonprofit partners bring mental health support to schools and community settings where young people already spend their time. Through counseling, education, mentorship, and skill-building, these activities help young people manage challenges, strengthen their well-being, and connect with trusted adults.

“We’re excited to be going into our third year of programming with The Cigna Group Foundation’s support, offering more family grief programs, caregiver workshops, and volunteerism opportunities,” said Mary FitzGerald, CEO of Eluna, a nonprofit organization that runs grief camps to support youth experiencing the loss of an important person in their lives. “This funding helps youth and their caregivers feel empowered and less alone.”

Impact at scale: Boys and Girls Clubs of America

Since 2024, The Cigna Group Foundation’s partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America has helped thousands of Clubs nationwide better support young people by integrating trauma-informed policies, practices, and programs. The partnership also created practical resources, including a teen mental health guide and toolkit to help Club staff respond to young people’s behavioral health needs.

The Cigna Group employees have contributed more than 2,000 volunteer hours to support more than 1,600 young people in communities across the United States.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. That’s what I think of when I think of the partnership with The Cigna Group Foundation,” said Rachel Kalukango-Harris, director of trauma-informed practice at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Our goal is to go far with our impact, our reach, and what we’re bringing to support mental health and well-being for young people in our community. The Cigna Group Foundation’s commitment to this space has just aligned with ours perfectly, and that’s why this partnership makes such a difference.”

Mobilizing employees to strengthen community support

In addition to grants from the Foundation, employees of The Cigna Group volunteer their time and expertise to support young people and strengthen the nonprofit organizations that serve them. This includes hands-on projects and sharing professional skills to help nonprofit leaders address operational challenges, such as budget planning.

Sustaining momentum for youth mental health

Improving youth mental health takes continued collaboration among nonprofits, schools, families, health care organizations, and community leaders. In the initiative’s third year, The Cigna Group Foundation will continue investing in nonprofit organizations that help young people feel supported, connected, and able to thrive. This work is part of the Foundation’s broader $27 million investment in building healthier communities.