Travis Kelce’s Fans Come Together to Celebrate His Charity Efforts and Win a Nationwide Vote
Travis Kelce Takes Lead in Charity Challenge
- Travis Kelce secured the fan vote for Nationwide’s Charity Challenge, announced during the January 7 episode of his podcast, *New Heights*.
- Recent discussions have scrutinized expense categorizations in Kelce’s foundation’s past tax filings.
- A source confirmed to PEOPLE that these filings failed to fully represent the foundation’s charitable impact, and updates have since been made.
In January, following his nomination for the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, Travis Kelce’s philanthropic efforts have garnered significant public support. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end continues to receive backing from fans who enthusiastically support his foundation.
This support was evident as Kelce won the fan vote in Nationwide’s Charity Challenge, linked to the Man of the Year honor, a decision revealed in the January 7 episode of *New Heights*, hosted by Travis and his brother, Jason Kelce.
The win will provide additional funding for Kelce’s nonprofit organization, 87 & Running, which empowers underserved youth through education, mentorship, and entrepreneurial programs across the United States.
Travis Kelce.
Mary Schulte/Operation Breakthrough
During the announcement, Jason highlighted his brother’s achievement: “You’re the only player to win the Charity Challenge each time they’ve been nominated as the club’s Walter Payton Man of the Year.” Meanwhile, Travis reflected on his journey, stating, “We’ve been doing this since the beginning of my career. It’s cool to see some of these familiar faces grow into high school kids, and it’s awesome.”
However, scrutiny has arisen regarding the charity work of Walter Payton Man of the Year nominees. A report published by the *Arizona Republic* on December 31 examined tax filings related to nominees, including Kelce. The article indicated that Kelce’s nonprofit allocated 41 cents of every dollar raised to charitable activities, with more funding directed toward administrative costs. In response, Kelce’s business manager challenged the accuracy of these filings.
A source close to Travis clarified to PEOPLE, “The 990 forms didn’t tell the full story. Over the foundation’s history, Travis has been its primary funder, and expenses supporting charitable programs were miscategorized. Additionally, Eighty-Seven & Running has committed $800,000 to the communities it serves over the next three years, which will not be reflected in current filings until funds are put to use.”
Travis Kelce.
Mary Schulte/Operation Breakthrough
The source added, “If what’s been committed is accounted for, the foundation is at over 80 percent directed toward charitable causes. The necessary changes to the reporting and operations to ensure this is accurately reflected moving forward have already been implemented.”
Last month, the Super Bowl champion’s nomination for the prestigious Man of the Year award was recognized, honoring players committed to making a positive impact beyond the field. Travis is among 32 nominees for the award, with the winner to be revealed on February 6 during the NFL Honors ceremony.
The Chiefs honored Kelce’s nomination with a special video that highlights his commitment to the Kansas City community through the 87 & Running Foundation. In the video, he shared fond memories of his upbringing, crediting his parents for his positive childhood experience.
Reflecting on his upbringing in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Kelce described it as “such a melting pot of social class and race and religion,” noting, “I was able to relate to all those kids growing up. I don’t care what you look like, where you come from; I’m gonna be friendly and lend a helping hand.”
