Brandon and Sara Bray, in collaboration with Horizon Community Funds, have founded the Bray Foundation with a mission to strengthen communities by recognizing and supporting the skilled trades.

The Bray Foundation will provide grants dedicated to raising awareness, enhancing education, and advocating for the skilled trades. The goal of the fund is to ensure that the community understands the critical role these dedicated men and women play in shaping our future.

Bray Topsoil & Gravel will match the first $25,000 donated to the fund and will grant these funds to five different organizations:

Allied Construction Industries: ACI offers courses taught by industry experts on a wide variety of topics, from certifications to soft skills, project management, and safety.

Brighton Center: Brighton Center’s Trades to Success is a pre-apprenticeship program that provides trainees with career assessments, in-depth adult education, job readiness instruction, and intensive coaching to help trainees overcome barriers to employment.

Gateway Community and Technical College: The Gateway Diesel Technology Program is designed to produce highly skilled technicians who can diagnose, repair, and maintain diesel engines and heavy equipment.

NaviGo College and Career Prep Services: NaviGo empowers and prepares students for post-secondary success and workforce readiness through collaboration with community partners.

Trades NKY: Trades NKY offers programs and services for all ages. For young children, their programs facilitate the discovery and exploration of the skilled trades. For teenagers and young adults, they provide a clear path to career readiness and success or advancement within the skilled trades.

“Our foundation is committed to uplifting the skilled trades by promoting the value of their work and investing in the next generation of craftsmen and craftswomen,” said Brandon Bray of Bray Topsoil & Gravel. “By supporting education and advocacy, we aim to build a brighter, more resilient future for all.”

The Bray Foundation invites the community to join in recognizing and celebrating the hard work, expertise, and pride of those who have dedicated their lives to their craft.