Veterans' Cash

The first specialty lottery ticket for veterans, Winter Winnings, was launched in 2006, and is the first lottery game in the United States to designate 100 percent of net proceeds to veterans. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs awards these funds in the form of cash grants. On a quarterly basis, IDVA's Cash Grant Committee accepts and reviews applications from veterans organizations that address job placement and training, disability benefits, PTSI research and treatment, homelessness, and long-term care.

For more information about the Illinois Lottery, please visit www.illinoislottery.com.

** VETS CASH ANNOUNCEMENT **

RE: Amplifund online applications

Vets Cash is accepting on-line applications in Amplifund.  The grant opportunity will now be a reimbursement grant.

Click here to apply. Currently, applicants may apply online for FY24-Q1 (opportunity ends September 30, 2024). The grant start date is January 1^st, 2024 and ends December 31st, 2024.

 Click this link for step-by-step instructions.

Grantees must also register in the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Portal. Click the link and follow the instructions to register with the GATA Portal: Grantee Portal. Grantees may contact the GATA unit (GATU) or OMB.GATA@illinois.gov or their state granting agency with questions regarding registration.

Eligibility is open to Government agencies, not-for-profits, veterans' organizations and tax-exempt entities currently providing veterans' assistance or wishing to expand to veterans' assistance. Grants to individuals are not awarded under this program. Organizations that provide services to veterans in the following six categories are encouraged to apply for a Veterans' Cash grant:

·         Behavioral health services

·         Homelessness

·         Health insurance costs

·         Disability benefits

·         Long-term care

·         Employment and employment training

·         Emergency financial assistance

GETTING STARTED: Please read "New Grant Requirements and Process Changes Document before proceeding. Changes to Federal and State Grant Requirements.pdf

Veteran advocates can show their support for our men and women who have served by contributing directly to the Veterans Assistance program. To facilitate this process, you may write a check to the Veterans Assistance Fund and mail it to directly to IDVA. Click here for the Mail-In Donation Form (DONATION FORM.docx ).

All contributions to the Veterans' Assistance Fund will be granted by the Veterans' Cash Grant Committee to help Illinois veterans in the following areas of need: post-traumatic stress, homelessness, long-term care, disability benefits, health insurance costs, and employment assistance. Grants are awarded to qualifying public and non-profit organizations directly serving veterans in these areas.

FY24 – 1st Quarter Review (applicants may apply July 1, 2023 - September 30, 2023)
Date and time of Committee meeting: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 – 9:30 am
Grant start date: Jan 1, 2024 – End date: Dec 31, 2024

FY24 - 2nd Quarter Review (applicants may apply October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023)
Date and time of Committee meeting: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – 9:30 am
Grant start date: Apr 1, 2024 – End date: Mar 31, 2025

FY24 – 3rd Quarter Review (applicants may apply January 1, 2024 – March 30, 2024)
Date and time: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – 9:30 am
Grant start date: July 1, 2024 – End date: June 30, 2025

FY24 – 4th Quarter Review (applicants may apply April 1, 2024 - June 30, 2024)
Date and time: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 – 9:30 am
Grant start date: Oct 1, 2024 – End date: Sept 30, 2025

FY25– 1st Quarter Review (applicants may apply July 1, 2024 - September 30, 2024)
Date and time: Wednesday, November 13, 2023 – 9:30 am
Grant start date: Jan 1, 2025 – End date: Dec 31, 2025