June 19, 2025
KRCG — A Columbia non-profit wants every child to be able to take part in extracurricular activities without worrying about the cost.
Since its founding, Day Dreams Foundation has helped more than 800 kids in Columbia with scholarships totaling close to $500,000.
Joe Bradley started Day Dreams Foundation in 2014. He was a student at the University of Missouri at the time and was a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“His little brother needed some funds to do recreational football,” said Adonica Coleman, the executive director of Day Dreams Foundation. “There were no organizations that could help, so Joe started a GoFundMe and then thought, ‘There should be an organization for that.’
Bradley then started Day Dreams Foundation with his college friends and is still a member of the Board of Directors.
Columbia kids who are between the ages of 5-18 and qualify for free or reduced lunch can take part in the program. Kids are eligible to receive up to $500 per year.
“They can do any extracurricular activity,” Coleman said. “They can do sports, dance, swim lessons, music lessons, and more. And we are adding new activities every day.”
You can visit Day Dreams Foundation online to apply for a scholarship.
The organization also accepts donations and holds multiple fundraisers. Day Dreams Foundation will hold a Duck Derby on Tuesday, July 29, at Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.