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Veterans Cash
Veterans Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket
The first U.S. lottery game, Winter Winnings, was launched in Illinois in 2006, allocating 100% of its net proceeds to veterans. The $2 specialty ticket was sold annually from November to February, with a new ticket designed, named, and sold each year during that period.
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. These organizations can apply annually for amounts ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.
The Veterans Cash Grant Authorization Committee (GAC) reviews applications quarterly, contingent on available funding, and submits recommendations to the IDVA Director for final approval.
On July 1, 2024, the specialty ticket was replaced, and IDVA is now part of the Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off game. Proceeds are shared with nine other causes through the $5 7X’s Bingo Multiplier scratch-off ticket, which is sold year-round.
(For more information regarding Illinois Lottery, visit www.illinoislottery.com).
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include government agencies, veterans’ organizations, and nonprofit, tax-exempt entities focused on providing services for veterans in the areas of:
- Behavioral health
- Homelessness
- Health insurance costs
- Disability benefits
- Long-term care
- Employment and training
- Emergency financial assistance
Before Applying for a Grant
Applicants and Grantees must be registered in Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) and in Amplifund Illinois GATA Grantee Portal
To Register in GATA: https://gata.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/gata/documents/training_new/Grantee%20Access%20Quick%20Guide.pdf
Those currently registered in GATA, click here vetscash-howtoapply.pdf then follow the Amplifund application process.
Completing Audit Reports in GATA, click here Audit Report Review Process Grantee Instruction Manual
Amplifund- instructions on applying, submitting quarterly reports, and additional training IL - IDVA - Grantee (vidyard.com)
Amplifund technical support & general information Illinois Grant Management Support (zendesk.com) or call 1-844-407-3573.
How to Research Grants
For active grant programs and current funding, visit Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) CSFA link.
Visit “Announcements” on the GATA Home (illinois.gov) page for updates.
Sign up for Electronic Payment
IL Office of the Comptroller Electronic payment Direct Deposit Sign Up - The Illinois Office of Comptroller (illinoiscomptroller.gov)
How to check status of your reimbursement payment
Vendor Payments - The Illinois Office of Comptroller
Veterans Cash Grant Authorization Committee (GAC) Board schedule
FY25-Q1 (applicants apply)
Application Period: August 15, 2024 – September 30, 2024
Committee Meeting: Thursday, November 21, 2024 – 9:00 am
Grant Period: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
_________________________________________________________________________________
FY25-Q2 (applicants apply) “CLOSED- All FY25 funding has been awarded.”
Application Period: November 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Committee Meeting: Thursday, February 13, 2025 – 9:00 am (Cancelled)
Grant Period: April 1, 2025– March 31, 2026
_________________________________________________________________________________
FY25-Q3 (applicants apply) “CLOSED- All FY25 funding has been awarded.”
Application Period: February 14, 2025 – March 31, 2025
Committee Meeting: Thursday, May 15, 2025 – 9:00 am (Cancelled)
Grant Period: July 1, 2025– June 30, 2026
_________________________________________________________________________________
FY25-Q4 (applicants apply) “CLOSED- All FY25 funding has been awarded.”
Application Period: May 15, 2025 – June 30, 2025
Committee Meeting: Thursday, August 14, 2025 – 9:00 am (Cancelled)
Grant Period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026
_________________________________________________________________________________
FY26-Q1 (applicants apply)
Application Period: August 15, 2025 – September 30, 2025
Committee Meeting: Thursday, November 13, 2025 – 9:00 am
Grant Period: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
_________________________________________________________________________________
Veterans Assistance Fund
Veteran advocates can support our servicemen and women by contributing to the Veterans Assistance program. Simply write a check to the Veterans Assistance Fund and mail it directly to IDVA. Find the Mail-In Donation Form here (DONATION FORM.docx ).
All contributions to the Veterans Assistance Fund will be distributed by the Veterans' Cash Grant Committee to support Illinois veterans in areas of need.
State and Federal Legislation
Applicable State and Federal Acts and Rules for this project 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
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