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The Cigna Group Foundation Grants and Funding FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum and/or maximum amount that an organization can request for grant funding?
Funding varies by grant program. Check each program page for additional details on funding ranges for your program of interest.
What is the project timeline?
Timelines vary by grant program. Check each program page for additional details on grant cycles.
Does The Cigna Group Foundation prefer one-year projects or can the projects be multi-year?
The Cigna Group Foundation considers one-year, multi-year, and pilot projects. Please note that multi-year requests are accepted but terms will be limited to three years.
When do you anticipate funds will be awarded?
Fund awards vary by grant program. Check each application link for additional details on anticipated award dates.
What type of program-related costs will The Cigna Group Foundation fund?
The Cigna Group Foundation does not fund general operating expenses, administrative costs, and indirect costs. The budget narrative for each grant should reflect all of the expenses that are required for the specific grant project.
Salaries for staff members are allowable for the related program, but no fringe or payroll taxes are acceptable by The Cigna Group Foundation. All other expenses will be reviewed by the grants’ committee members in relation to the application.
Do have you have examples of activities The Cigna Group Foundation will NOT fund?
Only public charitable organizations currently recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or Section 170(b) of the Internal Revenue Code are eligible to receive or benefit from charitable funding through the Cigna Giving program. In general, Cigna Giving will not provide financial support to the following:
- Grants to individuals or to organizations established to benefit one individual;
- Capital campaigns (unless approved by The Cigna Group Foundation Board of Directors);
- Fraternal organizations;
- Organizations or programs whose mission includes a substantial element of social, religious or political advocacy;
- Faith-based organizations, unless the activities being funded are accessible to the general public and are not aimed at promoting one religion or faith over any other;
- Groups or projects that discriminate or restrict services based on factors of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, veteran status, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, domestic partner status, genetic information, or citizenship status, except where those activities support our commitment to diversity and elimination of health disparities.
The Cigna GroupSM and The Cigna Group Foundation reserve the right to reject requests to provide funding to organizations that discriminate or for projects that do not reflect the general principles of the Code of Ethics of The Cigna Group and Workplace Policies. The Cigna Group will not support any organization whose activities may represent a conflict of interest for The Cigna Group or any of The Cigna Group companies.
Does The Cigna Group Foundation focus on a specific location?
The Cigna Group Foundation considers proposals from anywhere in the United States and abroad. Please refer to the specific program guidelines for geographical specifications or requirements.
Do I need to have a contact within The Cigna Group, or The Cigna Group insurance, or a relationship with The Cigna Group in order to apply for a grant?
No. All of the grant programs listed on The Cigna Group Foundation website are open applications.
What type of organizations can apply for funding?
Applicant institutions must be a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. The following 501(c)(3) statuses will be considered:
170(B)(1)(a)(i)
170(B)(1)(a)(ii)
170(B)(1)(a)(iii)
170(B)(1)(a)(iv)
170(B)(1)(a)(v)
170(B)(1)(a)(vi)
509(A)(2)
Can I apply for more than one proposal?
Yes; however, The Cigna Group Foundation will provide only one grant per organization in the calendar year for an approved program. The only exception is for Healthier Kids For Our Future, through which organizations can apply for a mental health, as well as a food insecurity grant.
Who do I contact if I receive an application error?
For any application questions, please contact Benevity directly to request help.
How do I withdraw an application?
For any application questions, please contact Benevity directly to request help.
How can I speak to a Foundation Program Officer?
The Cigna Group Foundation will try to be as responsive to questions as possible. However, we cannot meet with every organization prior to grant submissions. Please review our programs section of the website to determine if your organization is a fit for any of our grant programs. For additional questions, please contact us via email at FoundationGrants@Cigna.com.
Do I need a fiscal sponsor?
You do not need a separate fiscal sponsor, but you do need to be a qualified charity.
Will The Cigna Group Foundation sponsor a specific event?
The Cigna Group Foundation does not sponsor events and/or fundraisers. All sponsorship inquiries should be submitted to The Cigna Group via email to CorporateGiving@Cigna.com.
Do you fund organizations outside of the United States?
At this time, The Cigna Group Foundation does not accept unsolicited grants outside of the United States. However, we do consider proposals from U.S.-based organizations that are executing projects outside of the United States.
Need More Information?
For additional questions, please contact us via email at FoundationGrants@Cigna.com.
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