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. This $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 and submits recommendations to the IDVA Director for final approval.

As of July 1, 2024, the specialty ticket has been replaced, and IDVA is now part of the Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off game. Proceeds are shared with nine other causes through the $5 Bingo Tripler scratch-off ticket, which will be 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

If you’re currently registered in GATA, Click this link for step-by-step instructions to apply in AmpliFund.

Completing Applications and Quarterly Reports in AmpliFund

Vets Cash only accepts online applications via AmpliFund’s grants management system.

For instructions on applying, submitting quarterly reports, and additional training  IL - IDVA - Grantee (vidyard.com)

General information regarding Amplifund Illinois Grant Management Support (zendesk.com)

For technical support with the Amplifund system, 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)

Veterans Cash Grant Authorization Committee Schedule

FY25 – January 1, 2025, start date.

Application Period: August 15, 2024 – September 30, 2024

Committee Meeting: Thursday, November 14, 2024 – 9:00 am

Grant Period: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025

_________________________________________________________________________________

FY25 – April 1, 2025, start date.

Application Period: October 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024

Committee Meeting: Thursday, February 13, 2025 – 9:00 am

Grant Period: April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

_________________________________________________________________________________

FY26 – July 1, 2025, start date.

Application Period: February 14, 2025 – March 30, 2025

Committee Meeting: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – 9:30 am

Grant Period: July 1, 2025– June 30, 2026

_________________________________________________________________________________

FY26 – October 1, 2025, start date.

Application Period: May 15, 2025 – June 30, 2025

Committee Meeting: Wednesday, August 14, 2025 – 9:30 am

Grant Period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 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