Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley announced today that he is extending the deadline for area non-profit organizations that work with kids and teens in Boston, Revere, Chelsea and Winthrop to apply for his annual series of cash awards.

Suffolk County non-profit organizations that provide young people with an alternative to crime and drugs are eligible to apply for funds by Aug. 23. The previous deadline had been Aug. 2.

The annual funds, which total $50,000 this year, are disbursed from Conley’s Asset Forfeiture Reinvestment Program. The program takes cash and assets seized from drug dealers and awards them to Suffolk County organizations that help young people avoid drugs, gangs, and crime.

Award recipients are selected each year by an independent panel of county residents appointed by the district attorney. This year’s grants will range from $2,500 to $7,500.

Non-profit organizations wishing to apply for a grant award should request an application from Fabiola Pierre, Deputy Director of Community Relations, at (617) 619-4139 or Fabiola.Pierre@massmail.state.ma.us. Completed applications must be emailed no later than 5 p.m. on August 23.

State law allows up to 10 percent of money from the auctions of dealers’ property and confiscated funds to be returned to the community. Since 1992, the program has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to dozens of youth groups, community centers, and social service agencies.