The Birmingham Education Foundation (BEF) has raised more than $25,000 in private contributions through its annual fund campaign this year, and is on sight to see more than $55,000 by the end of the year.

According to BEF Executive Director Laura Couger, this amount is three times the amount the foundation had raised at this time last year.

That was the announcement made at Monday night's meeting of the Birmingham branch of the Michigan Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) at Harlan Elementary School. Couger said that this equates to nearly $10 per student.

"Birmingham Education Foundation has just been a wonderful asset to our school district and (has) allowed us to fund for much needed technologies and other things when we face budget cuts from the state year after year," Leila Kessel, president of the PTSA council, said.

Although Couger understands not every family in the district has the extra money, she hopes community members will see their money hard at work.

"We have ten times the amount of grants, that we would love to award, than the funds that we can allocate at this minute," Couger said. "You can't think of a better return on your investment."

Money raised by the BEF goes right back into the classrooms through two rolling grants, Couger said: Great Idea Grants and Foundation Grants. These grants fund projects as needed by students or teachers, including the purchase of electronic white boards in special education classrooms and sound and lighting equipment for theatre programs.

Combined, both grants provided funds for nearly 40 projects throughout the district in 2009-10.

"I know we are all really trying to push for the Birmingham Education Foundation," said Birmingham-Covington PTSA Co-Chair Gina Herdegen. "We at Covington have benefited from some of their grants in the past, as recently as last year."

Couger said the foundation sees a big increase in donations around December as people begin searching for year-end giving opportunities.

Area non-profits solicit community support, aid

Several organizations from around the community spent the remaining time discussing current projects in an effort to solicit PTSA support and financial aid.

Executive Director for the Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coaltion Carol Mastroianni discussed recent efforts to educate students about drug use, stating that alcohol is still the most popular drug of choice, though marijuana and prescription drug use are on the rise—especially among middle school students.

"Drinking and driving, kids get that and don't do that, but we are seeing that smoking marijuana and driving has gone up," Mastroianni said.

Dante Lanzetta, of the Birmingham Youth Assistance program, spoke on the organization's effort to keep area kids out of trouble.

Herdegen said its crucial the public be aware of these organizations, especially at a time when non-profits are struggling financially.

"I thought tonight's meeting was very informational and interesting, there were some groups I wasn't even familiar with" Herdegen said. "I think there's just a lot going on in this district and unfortunately we're at a time where they all need our support, so the more we can do as parents and volunteers, the more successful we'll all be."