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Veterans Cash

Support Illinois Veterans with the 7X Bingo Multiplier Instant Ticket!

The Illinois Lottery is proud to help support veterans in Illinois through its 7X Bingo Multiplier Instant Ticket. A part of the proceeds from this $5 ticket goes directly to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, which distributes the funds to vital organizations that provide essential support programs for veterans across Illinois.

The Veterans Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket grant is a yearly competitive reimbursement grant offered quarterly to nonprofits, tax-exempt entities, and governmental organizations that assist veterans in need. Eligible organizations may apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 annually.

The Veterans Cash Grant Authorization Committee (GAC) reviews and scores applications quarterly (contingent on available funding) and submits recommendations to the IDVA Director for final approval.

These tickets are making a tangible difference in the lives of our Veterans, whether through housing assistance, job training, mental health services, or other critical resources. By purchasing a 7X Bingo Multiplier Instant Ticket, you not only have a chance to win up to $200,000, but you're also making a direct impact on the men and women who have served our country.

Learn more about how this ticket supports Veterans at: https://www.illinoislottery.com/giving-back/specialty-tickets/illinois-veterans

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

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

FY26 - Q1

Aug 15, 2025 – Sep 30, 2025

Nov 13, 2025 – 9:00 a.m.

Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

FY26 - Q2

Nov 14, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025

Feb 12, 2026 – 9:00 a.m.

Apr 1, 2026 – Mar 31, 2027

FY26 - Q3

Feb 13, 2026 – Mar 31, 2026

May 14, 2026 – 9:00 a.m.

Jul 1, 2026 – Jun 30, 2027

FY26 - Q4

May 14, 2026 – Jun 30, 2026

Aug 13, 2026 – 9:00 a.m.

Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

 

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