August is back to school for families and scholarship and grant season for Community Foundation. We now start putting our donor dollars to work for Morgan County seniors and nonprofit organizations. Both scholarship and grant applications opened last month. Student have until September 4th to apply, but our grant cycle has closed with a record number of 46 requests. Fortunately, our grant budget has increased from $73,000 in 2025 to $164,000 thanks to generous donors and Lilly Endowment’s triple match opportunity.
I often use this article and my podcast to showcase nonprofits serving Morgan County. Many of them rely on our grant funding for projects and programming. Last month, I wrote about a lesser-known organization, Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Center. This time, the subject is a household name but much of what they do is still unknown.
Bradford Woods is one of Morgan County’s best kept secrets. Its historical significance and beautiful landscape are both amazing. “The Woods” has a new Executive Director, Tabitha Freeman, and when I meet her last month, I knew she was made for this place. High spirited and full of ideas, Tabitha brings a wealth of experience, including her leadership as Owen County’s Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Her passion for children is obvious, and her vision to make Bradford Woods a year-round destination is impressive!
Two families of Bradfords came here from Ohio, eventually both settling in modern day Bradford Woods. The eldest son, Perry Bradford, was tracking a fox one day that had burrowed into a hole and while digging, he noticed the sand was unusual. A casting company in Indianapolis confirmed it to be high-grade quality sand good for molding in the production of brass, iron, and steel. The casting company offered to pay Bradford for each wagon of sand delivered, and after only a few loads, M.E. Bradford Sand Mining Company was incorporated.
In 1894, Perry purchased land from the Indianapolis and Vincennes Railway Company and installed a railway system that shipped the Centerton sand to steel mills in Gary, Indiana. The family’s wealth amassed, and in 1907 they purchased the first car in Morgan County, a white Buick. In 1912, they built a lavish home, Bradford Manor, conspicuously seen by all who traveled Old Highway 67 South. The Manor House remains on the property today and can be rented as an event venue.
None of the brothers ever married, leaving no direct heirs to the estate. In 1938, the last surviving brother John Bradford deeded his home and 900 wooded acres to Indiana University with the stipulation that the property forever be used for charitable, educational, and recreational purposes for the children of Indiana. Bradford first offered the property to Riley Children’s Hospital, but they refused the gift, lacking vision of how to use it. Ironically, IU partnered with Riley to start Riley Camp for Kids which remains today.
Bradford Wood’s rich history includes a long partnership with the MSD of Martinsville. Since 1957, fifth graders have anxiously awaited their turn at the 3-day overnight camping adventure, making this a cherished tradition that has impacted generations of local families. (Sadly, current fifth graders attend only the day program.) Students step outside the traditional classroom and into nature, identifying Indiana trees while exploring forest ecology, investigating aquatic ecosystem, and discovering the importance of conservation. Many schools across the state are fortunate to take part in these educational camping experiences.
Riley Camp for Kids offers a safe, inclusive environment for the handicapable to enjoy nature and commune with others. This year an updated pool added to their experience, providing greater opportunities for recreation, therapy, confidence-building, and social connection. For years, Camp Riley has even offered scuba experiences. The new pool with its zero-depth entry allows more accessibility for campers to enjoy this one-of-a-kind opportunity alongside swimming, recreation, and water-based therapy.
Community days are a new offering, including Sunday brunches and Open Gate Days. Community brunches offer the public an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Bradford Woods and learn more about their mission and programs. Open Gate Days are free and include fishing, ziplining, tower climbing, hiking, and more. Families are encouraged to pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the beautiful property. The next Open Gate Day is Saturday, November 14 from 10 am to 2 p.m. Bradford Woods is also partnering with the YMCA of Morgan County to host the FREE Morgan in Motion 5K on September 30, bringing together people of all ages to celebrate health, wellness, and the outdoors.
Bradford Woods and forty-five other nonprofit organizations have made grant requests to CFMC. If you would like to learn more about who we serve and how you can help, please contact me a kcole@cfmconline.org. Every dollar donated will support charitable work like John Bradford envisioned nearly 90 years ago.
