The Pittsburgh Promise announced this morning that, despite the tough economic times, it raised almost $15.2 million for the year.

It needed to raise $15 million to leverage $10 million in matching funds from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The amount raised over $15 million will be applied to next year's fund-raising goal.

The money came from 17 foundations, 31 corporations and more than 500 individuals.

"We are demonstrating a commitment to community that I think the rest of the country would envy," said Grant Oliphant, president of the Pittsburgh Foundation, which administers the Promise.

The announcement was made during the Promise's first report to the community. The Pittsburgh Promise, which awards college aid to graduates of city public high schools and charter schools, was established in 2006. It is funded largely by UPMC, which gave $10 million outright and offered a nine-year, $90 million challenge grant.