Social media is abuzz with controversy surrounding NFL star Travis Kelce's philanthropic efforts. His nonprofit, the Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation, is trending not for its good deeds, but for revelations about its financial management. Recent reports based on tax filings have sparked a wave of surprise and skepticism among fans and observers online.
Financial Figures Spark Heated Debate
According to documents reported by outlets including The Arizona Republic and AOL, Kelce's foundation raised an impressive sum of over $1.5 million in donations over the past few years. However, the allocation of these funds has raised eyebrows. The filings indicate that from 2021 to 2024, only about 41% of every dollar donated was directed toward actual charitable programs. The substantial remainder was categorized under management fees and overhead costs.
A significant portion of the foundation's budget was paid to the A&A Management Group. This firm was co-founded by Kelce's business managers, brothers Aaron and André Eanes. This financial relationship has led charity watchdogs to question if the nonprofit's structure inadvertently prioritized administrative expenses over its core mission of direct charitable work.
Governance and Board Structure Scrutinized
Beyond the spending ratio, fans quickly pointed out another concerning detail in the foundation's setup. Initially, the Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation had only two board members, and both were Kelce's business managers. This arrangement conflicts with standard nonprofit best practices, which typically advocate for a larger, independent board to ensure proper oversight, accountability, and diverse governance.
The online chatter underscores a growing demand for transparency and accountability, especially when high-profile celebrities are involved in charitable ventures. Supporters expect their donations to have maximum impact, and any perception of mismanagement can quickly erode trust.
Context and Response from the Foundation
It is crucial to note that charity monitoring organizations, such as CharityWatch, have clarified that the issues appear to be related to governance and accounting classifications, not fraud. In response to the criticism, Kelce's team has stated that earlier tax filings mistakenly misclassified some program-related spending as administrative costs.
The foundation has also taken proactive steps to address the concerns. In 2024, changes were implemented, including plans to reduce management fees and expand the board of directors. These moves are aimed at improving governance and financial efficiency. The organization also highlighted that over its entire lifetime, roughly 56 cents of every dollar has gone to charitable work, presenting a more favorable ratio than the isolated 2021-24 period.
This episode with Travis Kelce's foundation is a stark reminder of how swiftly social media can amplify questions about transparency and governance in the nonprofit sector. As tweets continue to fly and discussions evolve, all eyes will remain on the Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation to see if its reforms lead to a greater share of future donations making a tangible difference where it matters most.
