Veterans Cash

Our Veterans Scratch-Off Lottery Ticket grant is a yearly reimbursement grant, offered quarterly. Nonprofits can apply for this grant annually, with amounts ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Winter Winnings, launched in 2006, was the first U.S. lottery game to allocate 100% of its net proceeds to veterans. Administered by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), these funds support nonprofit organizations that assist veterans in need through a competitive, reimbursement-based program. The IDVA Cash Grant Committee reviews applications quarterly and submits recommendations to the IDVA Director for final approval. 

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

** VETS CASH ANNOUNCEMENT **

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

Please click this link for instructions on applying, submitting quarterly reports, and additional training. IL - IDVA - Grantee (vidyard.com)

For more information about Amplifund, click here: Illinois Grant Management Support (zendesk.com)

For technical support with the Amplifund system, call 1-844-407-3573

Eligible applicants include government agencies, nonprofits, veterans organizations, and tax-exempt entities focused on veterans services in:

- Behavioral health

- Homelessness

- Health insurance costs

- Disability benefits

- Long-term care

- Employment and training

- Emergency financial assistance

Read the “Announcements” on the GATA Home (illinois.gov) page for updates.

For active grant programs and current funding, visit Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) CSFA link.

If registered in GATA, Click this link for step-by-step instructions on applying through AmpliFund.

Sign up for Electronic Payment

IL Office of the Comptroller Electronic payment Direct Deposit Sign Up - The Illinois Office of Comptroller (illinoiscomptroller.gov)

FY24 – 4th Quarter Review

·                     Application Period: May 15, 2024 – June 30, 2024

·                     Committee Meeting: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 – 9:30 am

·                     Grant Period: October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025

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FY25 – 1st Quarter Review

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

·                     Committee Meeting: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – 9:30 am

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

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FY25 – 2nd Quarter Review

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

·                     Committee Meeting: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – 9:30 am

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

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FY24 – 3rd Quarter Review

·                     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

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