Travis Kelce’s "87 & Running" foundation takes a new step amidst the financial controversy affecting Ed and Donna Kelce
The NFL star’s foundation remains active through its Ignition Lab partnership despite growing scrutiny over its financial practices
Travis Kelce’s charitable work continues to attract attention as his 87 & Running Foundation remains involved in youth development programs across Kansas City .
Founded in 2015, the organization was created to help underserved young people access opportunities in education, athletics, STEM and the arts.
One of its key initiatives is the Ignition Lab, a partnership with Operation Breakthrough that gives teenagers access to hands-on learning, mentorship and specialized resources.
The program is designed for young people from under-resourced Kansas City communities and encourages them to explore technology, innovation and entrepreneurship while developing practical skills.
The foundation’s involvement in the project comes as questions surrounding its finances have generated increased discussion online.
The organization’s official Instagram account reportedly hasn’t posted since January 2026, while social-media users have raised questions over the foundation, which remain unsubstantiated.
According to figures cited by The Arizona Republic, 87 & Running reported raising approximately $1.5 million and spending around $1.1 million between 2021 and 2024. The publication also highlighted concerns over the proportion of funds that reportedly reached charitable programs.
Despite the scrutiny, the foundation’s work with Operation Breakthrough has continued to provide opportunities for young people.
Ignition Lab keeps Kelce’s youth mission moving
The Ignition Lab gives teenagers between 14 and 18 the chance to experiment with technical projects while learning about potential careers. Operation Breakthrough serves children and families in Kansas City, and its facility provides educational and developmental resources to the community.
According to 87 & Running, the Ignition Lab serves hundreds of students and allows participants to learn through creating, problem-solving and collaboration. The program’s hands-on approach can help students connect academic concepts with skills that could eventually be useful in college or the workplace.
One standout project involved students converting a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle into an electric vehicle. The project allowed participants to gain experience in engineering and mechanics while working toward industry certifications and college credit.
That ongoing work gives 87 & Running a visible role in youth development even as attention surrounding the foundation’s finances continues.
Kelce has also recently had another reason to make headlines. On October 5, he and his wife, Taylor Swift, were photographed holding hands as they arrived at Torrisi in New York City for his 37th birthday celebration.
The timing was especially convenient because the Kansas City Chiefs were on their bye week. Kelce had been in Las Vegas for Kansas City’s victory over the Raiders, while Swift was already in New York after making a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live.
With Kelce balancing his NFL career and philanthropic commitments, 87 & Running remains another important part of his public profile. While questions about the foundation’s finances continue to circulate, its partnership with Operation Breakthrough shows that its youth-focused initiatives remain active.
