About the Foundation

Fundraising with Impact

The Bridlemile Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising and stewarding funds for school needs beyond district funding. Through community fundraising and generous donations, the Foundation helps support priorities that enrich the student experience, including programs, classroom resources, technology, and initiatives led by the PTA.

Recent district changes have created new opportunities for the Foundation to direct 100% of funds raised toward meaningful priorities that benefit Bridlemile students and strengthen our school community, now and in the future.

The Foundation leads several fundraising efforts throughout the year and relies on parent and community volunteers to make them successful. Our primary fundraiser is our annual Beagle Benefit. Learn more below!

Interested in supporting a fundraiser or learning more about getting involved? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at foundation@bridlemileschool.org.

Together, we’re building a stronger future for our school community!

Foundation Board 26'-27'

Jennifer Kaplan
President

Madelin Cois
Vice President

Jada Livingston
Treasurer

Michelle Johnson
Secretary

Kate Evenson
Member At Large

Heidi Trenholme
Member At Large

Kaleen Anderson
Member At Large

Valerie Plummer
Member At Large

Francie Stacey
Member At Large

Alex Stephens
Member At Large 

Where does the money go?

Fundraising

1. Sponsorships $1K 2. Directory Ads $400

1. Garden Committee $1.2K 2. Winter Bazaar $1K 3. Family Night $1K 4. Staff Appreciation $700 5. Library Support $800 6. Special Requests $800 7. OBOB $800 8. Monster Mash $650 9. Movie Night $800 10. STEAM Night $1K 11. Bike Fest $800 12. KinderConnect $500 13. Kinder T-Shirts $700 14. 5th Grade T-Shirts $560

Expenditures

How the Bridlemile
Foundation Prioritizes Funding?

Funds raised by the Bridlemile Foundation, primarily through the Annual Beagle Benefit Fundraiser, are pooled to support all Bridlemile students, with a focus on school-wide needs and shared experiences that most directly strengthen learning and educational outcomes.

Priorities include both essential academic and operational needs, as well as programs that enrich the broader student experience. This framework is not a fixed funding list; school needs evolve, district resources change, and new opportunities arise throughout the year.

The Foundation adapts accordingly, using this framework to guide thoughtful, high-impact funding decisions. Examples reflect past or potential future support as needs and fundraising goals align.

  • Funding that directly supports how students learn. This category includes programs and resources that expand educational opportunities, strengthen foundational skills, and enrich the academic experience for Bridlemile students.

    Examples:

    • Academic support such as reading or learning specialists

    • GROW Portland garden education program

  • Funding that supports the day-to-day learning environment and the teachers and staff who make it possible. This category focuses on practical classroom and school needs—shared supports that help teachers and staff create meaningful educational experiences and a well-equipped, welcoming environment for all students. If it directly impacts student learning and access to education, it belongs here. These investments help ensure classrooms are well-equipped and teachers and staff feel supported.

    Examples:

    • Educational supply funds for teachers and staff

    • Classroom and grade-level funds for student events

    • Field trips that extend learning beyond the classroom

    • Beginning-of-year school supplies for students

    • Showing appreciation for our teachers and school staff, such as meals and small gestures that support morale and community

    • Student technology, including Chromebooks

  • Funding that addresses immediate, school-wide needs that affect students’ daily experience.

    While some of these needs are traditionally the responsibility of the school district, gaps can occur. When those gaps affect student safety, access, or readiness to learn, the Foundation works in partnership with school leadership to support the school while pursuing long-term solutions.

    Examples:

    • Safety equipment, such as walkie-talkies, so that every classroom can communicate

    • School improvements like repainting the playground and parking lot lines

    • Operational or infrastructure needs identified by school leadership

    • Aspirational: larger projects such as playground upgrades
      These investments help keep the school safe, functional, and ready for learning.

  • Funding that builds connection, belonging, and school spirit.

    This category includes inclusive, school-wide events that bring students, families, and staff together and are organized by the PTA. These shared experiences help strengthen the community that surrounds and supports our students.

    Examples

    • Community movie nights

    • Monster Mash

    • Other shared events open to the entire school community
      Strong community supports student success.