Founded by Travis Kelce in 2015, 87 & Running Foundation aims to empower underserved youth by providing resources and opportunities in education, athletics, STEM, and the arts. Its “Ignition Lab” collaboration with the nonprofit organization Operation Breaththrough reflects the foundation’s mission.Through the Ignition Lab program, under-resourced teenagers from Kansas City neighborhoods can explore STEM and entrepreneurship with mentorship, equipment, and hands-on learning.Although 87 & Running Foundation’s Instagram account has seen no recent activity, its charitable work continues through initiatives like Operation Breakthrough’s Ignition Lab.According to the foundation’s website, the Ignition Lab program serves about 700 students daily. Young people have opportunities to learn, create, develop practical skills, and explore several pathways that could shape their future education and careers.
Travis Kelce’s foundation continues youth work amid financial scrutiny
87 & Running Foundation’s official Instagram account has not posted any content since January 2026. At the same time, social media fans raised money-laundering allegations against the foundation.According to The Arizona Republic, the foundation’s IRS filings reported raising about $1.5 million and spending roughly $1.1 million over a multi-year period [2021 to 2024]. Only 41 cents of every dollar was reportedly directed to charitable programs.CharityWatch executive director, Laurie Styron, told The Arizona Republic that, “players and their managers need to stop using charities this way. Don’t get creative. Don’t look for loopholes.If you establish a charity, stop mixing in business interests or using friends to operate it. Do it the right way or don’t do it at all. There are a lot of ways for players to give back without founding their own charity.”Despite this growing tension, Travis Kelce’s foundation reportedly continued its work through the Ignition Lab program with Operation Breakthrough. Operation Breakthrough is a nonprofit organization that provides educational and developmental opportunities for children and families in Kansas City.Travis Kelce’s 87 & Running Foundation funds and powers its Ignition Lab program. The program gives 14- to 18-year-old teenagers access to resources that promote innovation, technical learning, and entrepreneurial thinking. This partnership expands 87 & Running Foundation’s financial support to create opportunities for young people.
Donna Kelce joins students for special Chiefs experience
In August 2026, Operation Breakthrough expressed heartfelt gratitude to Travis Kelce for arranging an opportunity for Ignition Lab students. The students attended the Kansas City Chiefs’ first preseason game from Kelce’s suite at Arrowhead Stadium.The organization wrote on Instagram, “Talk about a suit surprise! Thanks to Travis Kelce, our Ignition Lab students experienced the Chiefs’ first preseason game from his suite at Arrowhead!”The post also mentioned that the students met Travis Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce, during the outing. This experience gave participating students a heartfelt opportunity to enjoy a Chiefs game. It also helped them create lasting memories connected to their Kansas City community.
Ed Kelce connects family legacy with children
The 87 & Running Foundation’s 2025 annual report speaks for the foundation’s continued charitable work.Their website also provides information about its programs and partnerships. However, their collaboration with Operation Breakthrough through Ignition Lat provides additional insight into the foundation’s activities and its connection to the Kelce family. In particular, Travis Kelce’s father, Ed Kelce.On September 17, 2026, Operation Breakthrough shared a post on Instagram about Ed Kelce visiting. The father of NFL legends Jason and Travis Kelce read to first-grade students and showed them the cutest, rarest childhood photos of Jason and Travis.The organization wrote, “Storytime with a side of Kelce family throwbacks! Ed Kelce stopped by to read to our first graders, then gave them a peek at Travis and Jason when they were little, just like them! Thank you, Ed, for sharing your time and a little family history with our children!”Yesterday, it was Travis Kelce’s 37th birthday on October 5, 2026. The little angels at Operation Breakthrough sent warmest wishes for the Kansas City Chiefs tight end through an adorable Instagram reel.The organization collaborated on the post with 87 & Running Foundation and called it, “Little voices, BIG birthday wishes! Happy birthday, Travis! Sending lots of love from all of us at Operation Breakthrough.” This post marks the 87 & Running Foundation’s first social media update since January 2026.