Illinois e-News Release

Maureen S Hartigan

773-590-9848

Springfield, IL – 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 third quarter of FY26.

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 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.

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.

“The recipients of this quarter’s Veterans Cash Grants provide transformative programs and treatments for veterans experiencing homelessness, behavioral health concerns, and other roadblocks resulting from service,” said IDVA Director Terry Prince. “We are grateful for the Illinois Lottery’s continued support of these grants, which have had a profound impact on thousands of Illinois veterans.”

“The Illinois Lottery has partnered with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs since 2006, through its specialty lottery ticket program, helping to fund important veterans’ services in Illinois. Since our partnership started, we have generated almost $25 million to support veterans in Illinois. I couldn’t be prouder to be a small part of the important work that Director Prince and his team do,” said Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays.

The recipients are:

Erase PTSD Now: Schaumburg:  This $74,100 grant will help veterans gain access to the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. SGB reduces the overactive “fight or flight” response, offering rapid and lasting relief that helps veterans reconnect with their families, return to work, and regain stability. Grant funding ensures full coverage of treatment costs, removing financial barriers and allowing veterans to focus on recovery.

This $99,770 grant supports the Safe Haven Foundation Veterans Emergency Fund which offers permanent housing placement, homelessness prevention services, and financial assistance for rental and utility arrears to veterans. Grant funds support move-in costs, transportation needs, and other essential services that promote housing stability and independent living.

This $100,000 grant supports the Transitional Living Services program that employs veterans facing PTSD, homelessness, and reintegration challenges. The program provides job coaching, peer support, and essential services while helping veterans gain skills and transition to civilian employment.

This $100,000 grant supports Code Platoon which addresses unemployment and underemployment among veterans by providing clear pathways into high-demand technology careers. Code Platoon provides intensive training, mentorship, and direct employer connections, helping veterans secure stable, well-paid technology careers, and achieve a stronger, more confident transition to civilian life.

This $68,000 grant supports Guardian Corps of America (GCA) which provides daily direct outreach to homeless veterans by delivering nonperishable food, hot meals, clothing, hygiene kits, and essential sleeping gear such as tents and blankets. GCA staff also connect veterans to resources that support their transition into permanent housing. These services are critical to meeting basic needs, improving safety and health, and helping veterans move from street homelessness toward stable, independent living.

This $100,000 grant supports Legal Aid Chicago’s Veterans’ Rights Project which provides targeted civil legal services to veterans, service members, and their families. The project serves 50 veterans through direct casework and outreach and education sessions for veterans, community members, and service providers. These services improve veterans’ quality of life by protecting and expanding access to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, and the Illinois Department of Human Services to secure benefits and other critical legal remedies.

This $100,000 grant supports the Entrepreneurs Academy Veterans Training program, which empowers veterans through comprehensive entrepreneurial and business leadership education. Leveraging veterans’ military experience, the program helps veterans transition into successful entrepreneurs, business owners, or corporate leaders by addressing skill gaps and workplace adaptation challenges. It provides a nationally recognized curriculum, personalized coaching, mentorship, and training in emerging fields, including drone technology, sustainable urban farming, and mental health support.

This $93,881 grant supports The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Army SSgt. Robert Miller Home, which addresses the rising housing crisis among veterans in Northern Illinois. The Miller Home provides affordable housing paired with case management, employment assistance, and healthcare navigation. These services help veterans overcome barriers such as PTSD, disabilities, and limited resources, enabling them to maintain stable housing, improve well-being, and regain independence.

This $75,000 grant funds The Chicago Lighthouse Veterans Employment Empowerment Program, which supports veterans transitioning to civilian life by providing comprehensive employment services and wraparound support. Veterans secure employment and improve their quality of life, with access to additional Lighthouse services, including vision care, mental health, and social services, typically at no cost. The grant sustains program operations and the role of Veterans Coordinator, whose work has expanded outreach, increased enrollment, and improved job placement outcomes.

This $99, 987.50 grant supports BraveHearts, a leading provider of equine-assisted services. The program provides horseback riding and horsemanship instruction to address therapeutic needs, including reducing PTSD symptoms and equine-assisted psychotherapy, led by licensed mental health professionals. These therapies improve veterans’ mental health, build trust and confidence, support community reintegration, and reduce anxiety, depression, isolation, and suicidal ideation.

Applications for the next quarter of grants will be accepted beginning February 13th. For more information, visit: https://veterans.illinois.gov/programs/veterans-cash.html.