From investment to impact: The Cigna Group Foundation health equity investments deliver early results in Houston and Hartford
The Cigna Group Foundation is spotlighting early progress from its Health Equity Impact Fund, a philanthropic initiative designed to reduce barriers to health equity by investing in community-based nonprofit organizations and bringing them together to collaborate, learn, and share best practices. The fund’s first cohort includes nonprofit partners in Hartford, Connecticut, and Houston, Texas, each focused on addressing disparities shaped by social determinants of health.
In its first year, the Health Equity Impact Fund provided $3 million in multiyear grants to 15 nonprofit organizations working in regions with high or very high social determinants of health. Grants are awarded for two-year terms, given many of the projects require time to scale new and innovative offerings such as mobile clinics. Programs are designed to address the root causes of health inequities by improving access to care, including transportation to medical appointments, and increasing nutrition knowledge including access to fresh food. In Hartford and Houston, nonprofit partners implemented community-based initiatives tailored to the needs of their local populations, reaching residents through a range of services and trusted community settings.
“Health is shaped by far more than what happens in a doctor’s office. Social determinants of health play a critical role in people’s ability to live healthier lives.” Dr. Amy Flaster, chief medical officer, The Cigna Group, and board member of The Cigna Group Foundation.
“Our commitment through the Health Equity Impact Fund reflects our belief that advancing health equity starts by meeting communities where they are and supporting solutions designed by those who know their needs best,” Dr. Flaster added. “This work is central to our mission to improve the health and vitality of the people and communities we serve.”
Community-based programs address access to care, nutrition, and transportation barriers
In Hartford, funded projects focus on expanding access to clinical care and essential community resources. Initiatives include a mobile health clinic that delivers preventive care, chronic disease management, and urgent services, as well as community resource navigation to help residents access transportation to medical appointments and coordinate follow-up care through locations such as public libraries.
In Houston, nonprofit partners are delivering culturally appropriate support for individuals managing chronic conditions that help guide healthier eating as a part of daily life. Programs feature bilingual healthy eating workshops, biweekly fresh produce distribution, and nutrition education designed to help individuals with type 2 diabetes build healthier habits using practical, budget-conscious approaches.
“[Salads] just don’t fill me up. I’m always hungry afterwards,” said one participant who attended a healthy eating workshop. “Our instructor explained that adding protein, fiber, and healthy fats can transform a salad into a satisfying and nourishing meal.” According to the participant, the instructor helped the class reimagine what a salad could be.
“This is delicious,” she said. “I could actually eat this!” By the end of the session, she had not only cleaned her plate; she had also committed to making these wholesome meals at home.
“Through the Health Equity Impact Fund, we are addressing immediate barriers to care like access, nutrition, and transportation,” said Ellie Polack, president of The Cigna Group Foundation. “By empowering local organizations that deeply understand their communities, we’re creating lasting partnerships and real change that help individuals and families thrive.”
Health Equity Impact Fund events bring nonprofit partners together to collaborate
In addition to funding the project, we saw tremendous value in bringing grantees together to collaborate, share insights, and spark ideas to drive greater collective impact. The gatherings – taking place in each respective city – brought together nonprofit leaders, foundation representatives, and health equity experts for facilitated panel discussions, peer learning through interactive activities, and networking focused on strengthening impact measurement and collaboration.
“It far exceeded my expectations – very informative and beneficial connections were made with fellow recipients,” said one Hartford attendee. “The whole day was very relevant and helpful.”
Advancing health equity through a commitment to community collaboration
The Health Equity Impact Fund is part of The Cigna Group Foundation’s broader philanthropic commitment to invest $27 million over three years to improve youth mental health, support veteran mental health through housing stability, and reduce barriers to health equity. Because the Health Equity Impact Fund’s grants span two years, the foundation is not yet reporting outcomes. The 2025 impact report highlights activities underway and the types of outcomes grantees aim to achieve once grant terms conclude. At the completion of the two-year term, grantees will report their community impact in the following outcome categories: Access, behavior, knowledge/skills and utilization.
“We know lasting change takes time, and that’s why we’ve designed this program to support sustained, community-led work,” Polack said. “These early activities and connections are laying the groundwork for meaningful impact, and we’re proud to stand alongside organizations that are helping communities thrive.”