BOSTON, November 3, 2017—Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley today invited non-profit organizations that work with kids and teens to apply for his cash awards program that provide the young people of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop with constructive alternatives to crime and drug use.
The funds are disbursed from Conley’s Asset Forfeiture Community Reinvestment Grant Program. The program takes cash and assets seized in drug trafficking prosecutions and awards them to non-profit organizations that help Suffolk County’s young people avoid drugs, gangs, and other risky activity.
State law allows up to 10 percent of money from the auctions of dealers’ property and confiscated funds to be returned to the community. Under Conley’s leadership, the grant program has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in seized drug money to dozens of youth groups, community centers, and social service agencies at no cost to taxpayers. Last year alone, Conley presented more than $65,000 to non-profits serving youth across Suffolk County. Many of the grants, which range from $2,500 to $7,500, were awarded to first-time applicants.
“This program has allowed us to put the proceeds of drug distribution to use keeping our young people safe and ensuring their bright futures,” Conley said. “The valued relationships we’ve built with our community partners as a result of the grant program last long after the funding period has ended, helping us continue to serve youth across Suffolk County.”
Award recipients are selected each year with the help of an independent panel of community representatives appointed by the district attorney. Non-profit organizations that wish to apply for one of this year’s awards may download an application from http://www.suffolkdistrictattorney.com/partnerships-and-prevention/community-reinvestment-grants/. Inquiries should be directed to Catherine Rodriguez, Deputy Chief of Staff, at Catherine.Rodriguez@state.ma.us. Completed applications must be emailed to her no later than 4 p.m. on Dec. 15.
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