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Director Terry Prince

Veterans Cash

Illinois Lottery Cash Grants

Veterans Scratch-Off Lottery Grant Program (Vets Cash)

The Veterans Scratch-Off Lottery Grant Program (Vets Cash) is administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) and provides competitive reimbursement grants to eligible tax-exempt nonprofit organizations and governmental organizations that provide services to Illinois veterans in need.

The program is funded through proceeds allocated to veterans from the Illinois Lottery Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off Program, specifically the $5 7X Bingo Multiplier scratch-off ticket. Eligible applicants may apply for annual grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Grant opportunities are posted quarterly, subject to available funding.

Applications are vetted by Vets Cash staff for eligibility and compliance requirements before being reviewed and scored by the Veterans Cash Funding Authorization Committee (FAC). The Committee’s recommendations are submitted to the IDVA Director for final approval.

➡️ Learn more about the Illinois Lottery

To view Calendar Year 2026 Q4 Vet's Cash newly awarded grants click HERE. 

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include government agencies, veterans’ organizations, and nonprofit, tax-exempt entities that provide services for veterans in areas such as:

  • Behavioral health
  • Homelessness
  • Health insurance costs
  • Disability benefits
  • Long-term care
  • Employment and training
  • Emergency financial assistance

Review Illinois Administrative Code for full eligibility details Review IL Admin Code

 Before Applying for a Grant

All applicants and grantees must be registered in both the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) system and the Amplifund Illinois GATA Grantee Portal.

Amplifund Resources

·         Amplifund - Grantee User Guide. AmpliFund_UserGuide_Recipient_20231023IL.pdf

How to Research Grant Opportunities

How to Complete Audit Reports in GATA

Payment and Reimbursement

 

Application & Grant Authorization Committee Schedule

 

Fiscal Year

Application Period

Committee Meeting

Grant Period

FY27 – Q3

Aug 14, 2026 – Sep 30, 2026

Nov 12, 2026 – 9:00 a.m.

Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

FY27 – Q4

Nov 14, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Feb 11, 2027– 9:00 a.m.

Apr 1, 2027 – Mar 31, 2028

FY28 – Q1

Feb 12, 2027 – Mar 31, 2027

May 13, 2027 – 9:00 a.m.

Jul 1, 2027 – Jun 30, 2028

FY28 – Q2

May 14, 2027 – Jun 30, 2027

Aug 12, 2027 – 9:00 a.m.

Oct 1, 2027 – Sep 30, 2028

FY28 – Q3

Aug 13, 2027 – Sep 30, 2027

Nov 11, 2027 – 9:00 a.m.

Jan 1, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028

FY28 – Q4

Nov 12, 2027 – Dec 31,  2027

Feb 10, 2028 – 9:00 a.m.

Apr 1, 2028 – Mar 31, 2029

 

State and Federal Legislation

Applicable laws and regulations for this program include:

Illinois Administrative Code, PART 125 VETERANS' SCRATCH-OFF LOTTERY GRANT PROGRAM : Sections Listing (ilga.gov)

20 ILCS 1605/21.6 Illinois Lottery Law 20 ILCS 1605/  Illinois Lottery Law. (ilga.gov)

30 ILCS 705 Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act 30 ILCS 705/  Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act. (ilga.gov)

CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements eCFR :: 2 CFR Part 200 -- Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

 

Veterans Assistance Fund

 

Veteran advocates can support Illinois servicemembers and veterans by contributing directly to the Veterans Assistance Fund.

To donate:

  • Write a check payable to Veterans Assistance Fund
  • Mail directly to IDVA with the Veterans Assistance Fund Donation Form (DONATION FORM.docx ).

All contributions are distributed by the Veterans Cash Grant Committee to support Illinois veterans in need