Core Insights - The Ministry of Finance has released the announcement detailing the collection and distribution of lottery public welfare funds for 2024, highlighting the significant role of these funds in supporting social development and public welfare initiatives [1] Lottery Fund Collection and Distribution - In 2024, a total of 623.49 billion yuan in lottery sales was recorded, generating 161.03 billion yuan in public welfare funds, with sports lottery contributing 97.79 billion yuan [1] - The central government allocated 79.36 billion yuan from lottery public welfare funds, including 49.65 billion yuan for the national social security fund and 21.44 billion yuan for central special lottery public welfare funds [1] Support for Rural Revitalization - The central government allocated 2.4 billion yuan in special lottery public welfare funds to support rural revitalization projects in revolutionary old areas, with 48 new projects initiated [2] - In Hebei Province, a project funded with 40 million yuan improved local industry and infrastructure, increasing collective income by nearly 100,000 yuan per village and creating 396 jobs [4] - In Guangxi, 146 million yuan in funding led to significant improvements in rural infrastructure and a 11.66% increase in the output value of local specialty industries [6] Health Initiatives - A total of 287 million yuan was allocated for low-income women's cancer assistance projects, benefiting 28,551 women [7] - The central special lottery public welfare funds contributed 612 million yuan to various health projects, including support for children with serious illnesses and interventions for birth defects [9] Elderly Care Services - The central special lottery public welfare funds invested 1.2 billion yuan in enhancing community and home-based elderly care services, including the establishment of "senior dining halls" [10] Cultural and Educational Support - In 2024, 500 million yuan was allocated for cultural projects, supporting 292 stage art projects and 100 visual art projects, reaching 1.785 million audience members [12] - The education sector received 1 billion yuan to assist economically disadvantaged students and teachers, ensuring support for those affected by emergencies or disasters [13]