Veterans Cash lottery ticket helps seven non-profits deliver support programs to veterans

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) today announced $330,185 in grants from Veterans’ Cash scratch-off lottery ticket sales to help seven non-profits deliver specialized programs and services to the Illinois veteran community.

“Veterans Cash continues to provide much-needed funds to organizations providing proven, impactful services to Illinois veterans,” said IDVA Director Erica Borggren. “As tens of thousands of new veterans return to Illinois in the next several years, we are grateful that the support of Illinois citizens continues to translate into direct veterans’ services through this great program.”

Veterans Cash has funded programs for veterans throughout Illinois since its 2006 creation by then-Lt. Governor Pat Quinn. Proceeds from ticket sales are deposited into the Illinois Veterans Assistance Fund, making it the first Illinois Lottery ticket for which 100 percent of net proceeds are dedicated to support Illinois veterans. Last month, Governor Quinn signed a new law that makes employment and job training organizations eligible to receive grants through the fund (pending bill implementation).

First-quarter (FY13) grants have been awarded to the following organizations:

• Carpenter’s Place (Rockford)—$18,406 for rehabilitation of a home for previously homeless veterans including installation of new appliances.
• Family Alliance (Woodstock)—$2,000 to provide day care services for elderly veterans in McHenry, Boone, Kane, and Lake counties.
• The Impact Center (Washington, D.C.)—$46,500 to develop an online platform for public and non-profit organizations throughout Illinois which serve military members, veterans, and their families; the platform will improve collaboration and transparency in military and veteran support.
• The Salvation Army (Springfield)—$50,600 for the organization’s Veterans Assistance Program to support Sangamon County’s homeless veteran population by offering food, shelter, clothing, counseling, employment counseling, and commercial kitchen job training.
• Thresholds (Chicago)—$68,892 for the organization’s Veterans Project that supports homeless veteran outreach, employment services, and combat trauma/mental health therapies, housing, medical care, and education.
• TLS Veterans (McHenry)—$43,787 to purchase two vehicles to transport their residents (previously homeless veterans) to medical appointments, jobs, and other activities.
• VFW, Department of Illinois (Springfield)—$100,000 to assist Illinois veterans with the application process for federal disability claims and other benefit programs.

On a quarterly basis, IDVA’s Veterans Cash Grant Committee reviews applications and awards grants to groups that help address PTSD, homelessness, health insurance costs, long-term care and disability benefits. To date, nearly 190 organizations have shared more than $10 million in funding.

To apply for a grant, please download an application at the Veterans Cash website. For more information about IDVA and its programs, pleasevisit the agency’s homepage.