Group Fights Extracurricular Barriers

Above, "Jasmine, one of the first kids in the region to benefit from ConfiKids...

With tighter municipal budgets, ConfiKids, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating financial barriers to extracurricular programs, reached a major milestone this July. Since its founding in 2017, the organization has awarded $1 million to fund children who reside in Southeastern Massachusetts to participate in sports, arts, and other enrichment activities. ConfiKids works with children who reside in four counties in Southeastern MA (Barnstable, Bristol, Plymouth and Norfolk). In Franklin, ConfiKids has funded 11 children and in Medway 2.

ConfiKids is built on the belief that no child should miss out on the confidence, community, and joy that comes from after-school activities due to financial hardship. From music and theater to soccer and dance, the organization has supported thousands of children in pursuing their passions—at no cost to their families. 

“ConfiKids is doing more than just writing checks. We’re helping children discover lifelong passions, connect with friends, engage in school, and grow in confidence,” said Rachel Calabrese, Founder and Executive Director.

Over the past eight years, ConfiKids has invested in children’s growth up to $10,000 per child’s journey, with many of its earliest recipients now graduating high school and heading to college, some even playing Division I sports while others study the arts.

ConfiKids aims to support children in their program, year after year, to build skills and confidence up through eighth grade to level the playing field for tryouts. “These are the extracurriculars that are keeping some students in high school” says Calabrese “yet, if you have had no prior coaching or training and trying out against those who have had eight years in youth sports, you do not have a chance of even making the team. Now they have a chance.” This extends to performing arts, music/ band, gymnastics and other enrichment programs.

Calabrese launched the initiative while working at the Foxboro Parks and RecreationDepartment, after witnessing firsthand how a lack of just $250 could keep a child from participating in a beloved sport. Today, with average activity costs approaching $550 per child, ConfiKids has scaled its mission through community partnerships and grassroots fundraising efforts, responding to increasing demand from towns seeking support forlocal families.

The need continues to outpace resources. Each quarter, ConfiKids begins with $30,000–$50,000 in available funding, and allocates all of it within weeks.

To celebrate the $1 million milestone, the organization is launching a summer fundraising campaign to help the growing need in our communities: “Building Confidence Takes Center Stage”

Inspired by Jasmine, one of ConfiKids' first recipients, the campaign aims to raise $20,000 to fund performing arts programs for 40–60 additional children this year. Jasmine, who began her journey in local theater programs through ConfiKids, recently played the lead role in her high school musical and sang at Carnegie Hall. This fall, Jasmine will start college as a performing arts major. She embodies the confidence and opportunity that extracurricular access can create.

As part of the campaign, The Spier Family Foundation will match every donation up to $10,000 doubling the impact of every gift made.

“Stories like Jasmine’s remind us why this work matters. Every child deserves the chance to shine on stage, on the field, in school and in our communities,” said Calabrese.

Join the Campaign: confikids.org/matchinggiftchallenge