DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced that the deadline for submitting applications for the “DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Drug Forfeiture Grant Program” is fast approaching, and that only 20 applications have been received to date.  Last year nearly $10,000 in grants was awarded to numerous schools and organizations in DuPage County.  This year’s grant amount is up to $500 for each recipient.  No additional applications will be considered after the MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th deadline, thus DuPage County schools and not-for-profit organizations are urged to get their applications in as soon as possible.

The Drug Forfeiture Grant Program helps to fund drug prevention and education programs in DuPage County, with this application’s grant being used for the 2004-2005 school year.  Participation in the Drug Forfeiture Grant Program is open to DuPage County public and private schools, school districts and appropriate not-for-profit organizations. 

This program was initiated by the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office in 1990 and has since provided over two hundred and ninety four (294) grants to schools and organizations, serving thousands of children in this county.  The funds for the program are derived from assets and monies forfeited by narcotics traffickers.  In 2003, twenty four (24) grants were awarded, primarily to DuPage County schools.

“Through the Drug Forfeiture Grant Program we are able to use drug dealers’ money to fund school and community drug prevention programs to educate children about the dangers of drug use,”  Birkett stated.  “I believe that if we make the facts known to young people, they will make the right decisions and say no to drugs.”

Grant applications are screened by a review committee in the State’s Attorney’s Office and are awarded following a competitive assessment.  This year’s Grants are limited to a maximum of up to $500 each.

“We must funnel the necessary resources to our educators in order to protect our children,” commented Birkett. “These Grants will aid in the prevention efforts necessary to combat drug abuse in our county. Along with vigorous enforcement of the law, we need prevention and intervention to successfully deal with the problems of alcohol and other drug abuse.”

To obtain a grant application, please contact the State’s Attorney’s Grant Coordinator, Laura Pollastrini, at (630)407-8160.  Applications must be received by September 27th in order to be considered.