INVEST

UNCF and Illinois State Lottery Launch First-Ever Lottery Ticket to Raise $5M to Support HBCUs

In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at empowering HBCU students and advancing educational opportunities, UNCF and the Illinois State Lottery unveiled an unprecedented initiative in fiscal year 2024: the $200,000! Bingo Tripler Instant Ticket. Released to the public in January 2024, the ticket offers players the chance to win up to $200,000 by spending just $5.

Illinois State Sen. Mattie Hunter championed Senate Bill 1508, which introduced a Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off Game that combines specialty causes into one ticket—including UNCF’s scratch off ticket—donations from which will be used to support Illinois students attending HBCUs and the Illinois DREAM scratch-off, which will provide financial assistance to non-citizens pursing higher education in the state.

“We are excited about this groundbreaking partnership with the Illinois Lottery, marking the first lottery ticket in the country to support UNCF,” said Lisa M. Rollins, regional director, workplace initiatives, Midwest region, UNCF. “This initiative will provide vital support to our mission of empowering students and advancing educational opportunities. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of deserving students across Illinois.”

The $200,000! Bingo Tripler Instant Ticket was available to purchase at over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers statewide, and is still being sold as of the date of this story’s release. The ticket is expected to raise at least $5 million to support UNCF’s efforts to support students of color across the state of Illinois and empower HBCUs.

This unique, innovative idea between Illinois and UNCF will enable students across the state to seek the college education they need to succeed and fully participate in our society. That kind of idea is the fuel for better futures for us all.