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Illinois Veterans Funding: $534K Awarded for Housing, Jobs, Care
Springfield, IL – Eight organizations serving Illinois veterans have been selected for new state grants supporting housing assistance, mental health services, workforce development and other programs
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-30T20:06:41.527Z
Springfield, IL – Eight organizations serving Illinois veterans have been selected for new state grants supporting housing assistance, mental health services, workforce development and other programs for former service members and their families.
According to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs IDVA , the awards are part of the second quarter of fiscal year 2027 Veterans' Cash Grants program, funded through proceeds from the Illinois Lottery's $5 7x Bingo Multiplier scratch off ticket.
Veteran Housing, Mental Health and Employment Programs Funded
The listed recipients include the Central Illinois Veterans Commission in Lincoln, awarded $100,000 to furnish and equip two homes for veterans experiencing homelessness or severe housing instability.
Leave No Veteran Behind in Chicago will receive $100,000 for employment assistance, financial education, wellness programs and benefits navigation.
This Able Veteran in Carbondale was awarded $99,550 to train six service dogs to recognize and respond to veterans' trauma symptoms.
Friends of Fisher House in Chicago received $65,000 to support accommodations for military and veteran families during medical treatment.
Additional Grants Support Meals and Rural Communities
The Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois in Sycamore received $50,000 to provide approximately 7,500 home delivered meals to 75 veterans in Bureau, DeKalb, LaSalle and Putnam counties.
Fishing for Freedom in Quincy received $50,000 for recreational fishing opportunities serving veterans and active duty military personnel.
The Crossroads Veteran Employment and Professional Development Program in Chicago received $45,000 for career training and mentorship.
The Schuyler County Mental Health Association in Rushville received $25,000 for rural veteran housing stabilization.
IDVA Director Terry Prince said the grants help veteran serving organizations expand their programs and reach more families.
The program accepts eligible nonprofit and government applicants, with annual grant opportunities ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.
Additional information is available through the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.