The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Announces Illinois Lottery Veterans' Cash Grants Recipients

SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) announced nearly $1 million in grants to support organizations providing vital services to veterans and their families across Illinois for the first quarter of FY27.

The grants are part of the Veterans’ Cash Grants program, which aims to address critical issues facing veterans, including homelessness, post-traumatic stress treatment, behavioral health treatment, and workforce development. The grants are funded through proceeds from the Illinois Lottery’s $5 7x Bingo Multiplier ticket.

The Veterans Cash Grant is a yearly competitive reimbursement grant offered quarterly to nonprofits, tax-exempt entities, and governmental organizations that assist veterans in need. Eligible organizations may apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 annually.

Each quarter, IDVA's committee reviews applications and awards grants to groups that have demonstrated proven need. Eligibility is open to government agencies, not-for-profits, veterans’ organizations, and tax-exempt entities currently providing veterans’ assistance or seeking to expand their services to include veterans’ assistance.

“Through the Veterans Cash Grants program, IDVA continues to invest in organizations delivering critical, life-changing services to Illinois veterans and their families,” said IDVA Director Terry Prince. “These funds support ongoing efforts to combat homelessness amongst veterans, expand their access to mental health care, and strengthen workforce opportunities.”

The recipients are:

Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods: Riverwoods: $60,000

This $60,000 grant supports the At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans, an innovative approach to empower military veterans’ mental health and wellbeing. This grant will enable At Ease to serve 550 veterans and military community members through more than 100 workshops over the coming year, including a new pilot Veteran Artist Entrepreneurship Training series to support increased employment for veterans in the creative sector. At Ease sessions are offered at Ryerson Woods, the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, partner natural area locations, and veteran organizations.

Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity: Chicago: $100,000

This $100,000 grant supports the Veterans Home Accessibility Program, which provides critical home modifications and repairs that improve accessibility and safety for disabled veterans. Many veterans live in homes that do not accommodate mobility challenges. As a result, everyday activities such as entering the home, bathing, or moving between rooms can become difficult and unsafe.

This program installs accessibility features, including wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, accessible bathrooms, widened doorways, and other safety improvements. These modifications allow veterans to safely navigate their homes, maintain independence, reduce stress, and allow veterans to age in place with dignity.

Embarras River Basin Agency, Inc.: Greenup: $100,000

This $100,000 grant supports the Embarras River Basin Agency, Inc. (ERBA), which provides emergency home repairs and housing stabilization services for low-income veterans in its Southeastern Illinois rural service area. Many veterans live in older homes and face financial barriers that prevent them from addressing urgent repair needs such as unsafe electrical systems, roofing issues, mold, flooring, and heating or plumbing concerns. These conditions can negatively impact health, safety, and the ability to live independently. ERBA will assess emergency housing needs, coordinate repairs, and leverage additional funding sources. By improving housing conditions, veterans will experience safer living environments, reduced financial stress, and improved well-being. This project honors their service by ensuring they have safe, dignified homes and the support needed to maintain long-term housing stability.

Nicasa: Round Lake: $25,000

This $25,000 grant supports Nicasa's Frontline Care Center (FCC), a behavioral wellness center in Round Lake, IL, dedicated to treating veterans, active duty, reservists, first responders, and their family members. The FCC treats behavioral health challenges, overwhelming symptoms, and veterans exposed to trauma. The FCC provides a trusting and confidential space to build rapport, share challenges, and learn tools to address trauma responses, without fear or judgment. This support helps to avoid substance use, overdose, and suicide. This funding provides high-quality behavioral health care to Lake County veterans, including those who are uninsured/underinsured.

Volunteers of America of Illinois: Chicago: $99,365.91

This $99,365.91 grant supports the Suicide Prevention and Community Education Services program at Volunteers of America of Illinois. The program focuses on addressing critical mental health and suicide prevention needs among veterans by offering comprehensive peer support through outreach, risk screening, and direct peer support services. This project will add a program coordinator within their Suicide Prevention program. Many veterans face barriers including limited transportation, social isolation, and inconsistent access to programming, all of which increase suicide risk. The program coordinator will be responsible for coordinating transportation, scheduling programs, and organizing community engagement activities to ensure veterans can participate in workshops, peer support groups, and wellness events. These services benefit veterans by increasing access to resources, fostering meaningful social connections, and creating structured opportunities for engagement. As a result, veterans experience reduced isolation, improved mental well-being, and stronger support networks, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

The Village Legal and Community Project: Chicago: $79,904.20

This $79,904.20 grant supports the Village Legal and Community Project, which aims to support workforce development and connect veterans to resources. Its goal is to help foster self-sufficiency and develop skills to advance their careers. At its core, workforce development also levels the playing field. Their economic development program provides veteran entrepreneurs with the assistance necessary to successfully start and scale up their businesses. This empowers local communities by providing financial freedom, much-needed goods and services within underserved communities, and job opportunities.

For more information on IDVA’s Veterans Cash Grants program, please visit: https://veterans.illinois.gov/programs/veterans-cash.html

For more information on the $5 7x Bingo Multiplier Ticket, visit: https://www.illinoislottery.com/giving-back/good-causes/illinois-veterans

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