Illinois Veterans announce cash lottery grants

SPRINGFIELD — Proceeds from scratch-off lottery ticket sales will help nine colleges and nonprofit organizations deliver services to Illinois veterans.

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs announced more than $500,000 in grants on Thursday. The money comes from the Veterans Cash lottery program.

Among the groups receiving grants is Safe Haven Foundation for furniture and household supplies for their veteran-only permanent supportive housing project in Chicago.

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale will receive money to help veterans at SIU and in the greater Carbondale area who need medical, dental and wellness services.

Also getting grants are Chicago Medical Innovations, Chicago Veterans Economic Development Council, Evanston Vet Center, Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, Northern Illinois University, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Volunteers of America of Illinois.