Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, recently won the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Charity Challenge. This marks his third victory in the contest, which took place on January 7. With this win, he secured a $35,000 donation for Operation Breakthrough, a successful nonprofit organization in Kansas City.
Donation Details
Unlike his previous wins, when the funds were directed to his foundation, Eighty-Seven and Running, this time the donation will benefit Operation Breakthrough directly. This decision aligns with the recent scrutiny faced by Kelce’s foundation regarding its financial management and governance practices.
Concerns Surrounding Eighty-Seven and Running
Founded in 2015, Eighty-Seven and Running has come under fire for issues related to its spending and accounting. The foundation reported that only 41 cents of each dollar raised was allocated to charitable activities over the last three years. Aaron Eanes, the foundation’s business manager, acknowledged that incorrect tax filings misrepresented expenses and assured that corrections are underway.
- Founded: 2015
- Average spending on charity: 41 cents of every dollar
- Management costs (2022-24): $469,000
- Charitable spending: $446,000
Operation Breakthrough’s Impact
Operation Breakthrough has been a partner to Kelce’s foundation, particularly through its Ignition Lab program, which focuses on workforce development for teenagers. Kelce has reportedly contributed nearly $2 million to this nonprofit since 2015, underscoring his commitment to the Kansas City community.
Expert Opinions
Laurie Styron, CEO of CharityWatch, remarked that Kelce’s choice to support an established charity demonstrates responsibility. “The foundation needs time to rectify its governance issues,” she stated. Her assessment reflects broader concerns regarding many NFL players’ affiliated nonprofits, which often struggle with transparency and efficiency.
Future Improvements for Eighty-Seven and Running
Eanes has stated that the nonprofit aims to enhance its governance by expanding its board and restructuring financial reporting. He is committed to achieving the highest operational standards moving forward. This includes reducing management fees significantly and focusing more resources on charitable endeavors.
Charity Effectiveness Ratings
Charity watchdog groups like Charity Navigator recommend that nonprofits allocate at least 70-75 cents of each dollar towards charity. Eighty-Seven and Running faces challenges in meeting such efficiency metrics, prompting necessary reforms.
Conclusion
Travis Kelce’s recent award and donation highlight the important intersection of sports and philanthropy. As he navigates the complexities of charity management, his continued support for Operation Breakthrough illustrates his dedication to positively impacting the Kansas City community.
