Improving Veteran Mental Health Grant

The Improving Veteran Mental Health grant program is an initiative of The Cigna Group Foundation, a private philanthropic organization focused on advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health. Through this program, the foundation is committing substantial financial resources to improve the mental health outcomes of military veterans across the United States by targeting one of the most critical underlying factors: housing instability. The initiative reflects a broader strategic priority to support vulnerable populations through community-based partnerships and evidence-informed interventions. The primary objective of the grant program is to enhance mental health outcomes for veterans by increasing access to stable, affordable housing and supportive services. The foundation recognizes that veterans face disproportionately high risks of homelessness and housing insecurity, which are closely linked to increased rates of mental distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation. By focusing on housing stability as a key social determinant of health, the program seeks to create long-term improvements in both mental wellness and overall quality of life for veterans transitioning to or navigating civilian life. Funding is directed toward nonprofit organizations that implement evidence-informed models, such as Housing First approaches, and provide comprehensive support services. Eligible uses of funds include expanding the availability of permanent housing units, offering rental or mortgage assistance to improve affordability, and delivering wraparound services that support veterans transitioning out of shelters. While program-related staff salaries are allowable, the grant restricts expenditures on fringe benefits, payroll taxes, general operating expenses, and administrative or indirect costs. Applicants must present a clear budget narrative aligned with these allowable uses. Eligibility is limited to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that operate within designated U.S. states or have established program delivery models in those areas. The application process is structured in two phases. Organizations must first submit a Request for Application through the foundation’s online portal. Selected applicants are then invited to complete a full application. Submissions must include detailed descriptions of program activities, outcome measurement strategies, and evaluation methodologies that demonstrate how housing interventions will lead to improved mental health outcomes. Applications for the current funding cycle open in early June and close on July 9 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Following the initial review, selected organizations are invited to submit a full application by early August. Final funding decisions are expected in late October, with the grant term beginning on January 1 of the following year. The program supports a one-year performance period, during which grantees are required to submit a midterm progress report at six months and a final report at the end of the grant term. The program is recurring and has already funded multiple cohorts of nonprofit organizations in previous years, supporting thousands of veterans through housing and supportive services. This ongoing commitment underscores the foundation’s long-term strategy to build sustainable, community-driven solutions that address both immediate housing needs and the broader mental health challenges faced by veterans.

Align program design with housing stability outcomes and clearly demonstrate measurable mental health impact through evidence-based metrics