Bradenton Police Chief Josh Kramer announced $15,800 in funding from the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Grant Program on Sept. 24, the eighth year the department has awarded forfeiture dollars to community programs.

Kramer told the City Council that state law requires agencies to donate at least 25% of forfeiture funds each fiscal year to community organizations, and that this year the department is awarding $15,800 to 12 organizations that provide services inside the city.

The grants will support a range of services, including recovery housing and wraparound services, youth programming, school‑based prevention and special events. Kramer said the department has given $134,900 to local organizations through the program over the past eight years.

Recipients who spoke at the council meeting described how the grants will be used. Justin Hallis of Hand Up to Victory said the money helps people exiting jail or recovery programs obtain IDs, phones and housing placement. Michael Boyd of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County said his award will support activities at the Rogers Club. Christy Haley of PACE Center for Girls said the funds will support Red Ribbon Week incentives and programming. Other recipients included Special Olympics Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run, Bradenton Gladiators Football, Manatee Broncos, Prodigal Daughter’s Journey Home, Rogers Garden Bullock Elementary School’s Save Promise Club, United Community Center’s Thirteenth Avenue Dream Center and others.

Kramer said the grant program includes quarterly measurable reporting requirements for recipients and that the department tries to award funds equitably to organizations that directly serve Bradenton residents.

The council recognized the program and the grantees during the meeting; the awards ceremony concluded before the citizen‑comment portion of the agenda.