Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Forfeiture Fund

Forfeiture Fund 

Pursuant to its obligations under the Pennsylvania Controlled Substances Forfeiture Act, 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 5802, and the final order entered on February 17, 2021 in Sourovelis v. City of Philadelphia, Civ. Action No. 2:14-cv-04687-ER, the Office of the District Attorney of Philadelphia must utilize funds forfeited to it to support community-based anti-crime and anti-narcotics organizations. 

The majority of funds should be committed to organizations collectively focused on engaging at-risk youth, including after-school programs, programs aimed at preventing violence or addiction, programs assisting with recovery and rehabilitation from addiction, and/or programs focused on reintegration and finding gainful employment after imprisonment emphasizing anti-crime/anti-drug/anti-violence elements in their work.

Organizations may use funds to support anti-crime/anti-drug/anti-violence initiatives consistent with guidance from the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania and the United States Department of Justice.  A non-exhaustive list of permissible uses based on these sources will be provided to grantee organizations. 

The Fund will prioritize requests from grassroots community groups with smaller budgets, defined as $5 million or less.  Grants are limited to organizations working with people in the city and county of Philadelphia.

Violence Prevention Initiative   The Forfeiture Fund will accept applications from community-based anti-crime/anti-drug/anti-violence programs.  Grants awards will range from $2,500 to $50,000.

Priority will be given to:

1. Programs that focus on violence prevention and gun violence reduction
2. Organizations whose mission is to engage girls and young women (Organizations serving people of all genders including trans and gender non-conforming individuals will also be considered for funding.)
3. Organizations with annual operating budgets under $1 million

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating in Philadelphia providing programs aimed at preventing violence, preventing addiction, assisting with recovery and rehabilitation from addiction, and/or focused on reintegration and finding gainful employment after imprisonment.
• Track record of delivering programming that helps Philadelphians escape poverty and avoid crime and drug addiction so that they may live productive, successful, and fulfilling lives
• A dedicated group of volunteers who are engaged in program delivery

Organizations that meet basic eligibility requirements are asked to complete an application and upload supplemental documents. Applications cannot be considered until the following supplemental documents have been submitted:

• 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter 
• List of Board of Directors
• Board-approved Nondiscrimination Policy
• Organizational Budget
• Prior year financial statement
• Current PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations Certificate if applicable