Veterans Cash

Veterans Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket

Illinois launched the nation’s first lottery game dedicated to veterans in 2006 with Winter Winnings. This $2 specialty ticket allocated 100% of net proceeds to veteran support programs and was sold annually from November through February, with a new ticket design each year.

Administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), 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.

On July 1, 2024, the specialty ticket transitioned to the Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off program. Proceeds are now shared with nine other causes through the $5 7X’s Bingo Multiplier scratch-off ticket, sold year-round.

➡️ Learn more about the Illinois Lottery

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.

·         GATA Pre-Award requirements

• Register in GATA (Quick Guide PDF)
• Register in GATA
• Already registered in GATA? Download the Veterans Cash Application Guide (PDF) and follow the Amplifund application process.

Amplifund Resources

• Amplifund - Post Award  – Video Training
• Amplifund - Submitting Quarterly Reports
• Amplifund Zendesk Technical Support or call 1-844-407-3573

How to Research Grant Opportunities

• Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) – Active grant programs and current funding.
• GATA Announcements – Updates and notices.

How to Complete Audit Reports in GATA

• GATA Audit Report Review Process – Instruction Manual (PDF)
• Audit Report Review Process – Overview Manual (PDF)

Payment and Reimbursement

• Illinois Office of the Comptroller - Sign Up for Direct Deposit   
• Illinois Office of the Comptroller - Check the Status of a Reimbursement Payment

Application & Grant Authorization Committee Schedule

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