In a groundbreaking move that blends the worlds of music, sports, and philanthropy, global superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce have announced the creation of the 13&87 Foundation. Launched in July 2025, the foundation aims to provide over 2,000 children across the United States with free access to arts and sports programs, offering underserved youth opportunities to explore their talents, build confidence, and develop critical life skills. This ambitious initiative reflects the couple’s shared commitment to community impact, leveraging their respective platforms to create meaningful change for young people from diverse backgrounds.
A Power Couple with a Purpose
Taylor Swift, a 14-time Grammy winner, and Travis Kelce, a three-time Super Bowl champion, have captivated audiences worldwide with their talent, charisma, and high-profile relationship. Since they began dating in 2023, the couple has been celebrated as a cultural phenomenon, often dubbed “America’s royal couple.” Their influence extends beyond entertainment and sports, as they’ve consistently used their visibility to support charitable causes. The 13&87 Foundation, named after Swift’s lucky number 13 and Kelce’s jersey number 87, marks their first joint philanthropic venture, combining their passions for creativity and athleticism to empower the next generation.
The foundation’s mission is clear: to provide equitable access to arts and sports programs for children who might otherwise lack the resources to participate. By focusing on underserved communities, the 13&87 Foundation seeks to address systemic barriers, offering kids a chance to discover their potential in environments that foster growth, teamwork, and self-expression. “We believe every child deserves the opportunity to dream big, whether that’s through painting a canvas, writing a song, or scoring a touchdown,” Swift said in a press release announcing the launch. Kelce echoed her sentiment, adding, “Sports and arts changed our lives, and we want to give kids the tools to find their own paths.”
The Vision Behind the 13&87 Foundation
The 13&87 Foundation is designed to be a transformative force in youth development, with a focus on both artistic and athletic programming. The foundation will fund initiatives in schools, community centers, and nonprofit organizations across the country, targeting children ages 6 to 18. Programs will include music lessons, visual arts workshops, theater classes, and sports clinics, all offered at no cost to participants. The foundation aims to reach over 2,000 children in its first year, with plans to expand its reach in subsequent years.
The foundation’s programs are structured to provide more than just recreational activities. They emphasize mentorship, skill-building, and personal development, helping kids develop resilience, discipline, and creativity. For example, arts programs will offer instruction in songwriting, painting, and drama, while sports programs will include training in football, basketball, and track, with an emphasis on teamwork and leadership. Each program will be supported by trained instructors and mentors, many of whom are professionals in their fields, ensuring high-quality experiences for participants.
The foundation will also partner with existing organizations to maximize its impact. In Kansas City, where Kelce has deep ties, the 13&87 Foundation will collaborate with Operation Breakthrough, a nonprofit Kelce has supported for years through his own Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation. Operation Breakthrough provides educational and enrichment programs for children in poverty, and the new foundation will expand its arts and sports offerings, including music production classes and football camps. Similar partnerships are planned in cities like Nashville, Los Angeles, and New York, where Swift has strong connections.
Building on a Legacy of Giving
Both Swift and Kelce have a long history of philanthropy, making the 13&87 Foundation a natural extension of their individual efforts. Swift has donated millions to causes ranging from disaster relief to education, including a $250,000 contribution to Operation Breakthrough in 2024. She has also supported food banks, hospitals, and music education programs, often quietly making donations to organizations in the cities where she performs. Kelce, through his Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation, has focused on empowering underserved youth in Kansas City, providing resources for education, STEM, and athletics. Notable efforts include a $3.3 million home donation to support homeless youth and a $100,000 contribution to families affected by a shooting at a Chiefs Super Bowl rally.
The 13&87 Foundation builds on these efforts by combining Swift’s passion for the arts with Kelce’s dedication to sports and community. Their joint initiative also reflects their shared values of hard work, creativity, and giving back. “Taylor and I both know how lucky we are to do what we love,” Kelce said at the foundation’s launch event in Kansas City. “We want to share that joy with kids who might not otherwise get the chance.”
A Nationwide Impact
The 13&87 Foundation is structured to operate on a national scale, with initial programs launching in 10 cities across the United States. These include urban and rural communities, ensuring that children from diverse backgrounds benefit. The foundation has already secured partnerships with local schools and community organizations to identify participants and tailor programs to their needs. For example, in Los Angeles, the foundation will fund a music production workshop for teens, while in rural Ohio, it will support a football clinic led by former NFL players.
To ensure accessibility, the foundation will cover all costs associated with participation, including equipment, materials, and transportation. This removes financial barriers that often prevent children from low-income families from joining extracurricular activities. The foundation will also provide scholarships for advanced programs, allowing talented participants to pursue further training in their chosen fields.
The launch event, held on July 15, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, was a star-studded affair that highlighted the foundation’s goals. Swift performed an acoustic set, including her hit “Shake It Off,” while Kelce led a football skills demonstration for local kids. The event raised $1.5 million through ticket sales and donations, with all proceeds going to the foundation’s programs. Attendees included NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and George Kittle, as well as musicians and actors from Swift’s circle, showcasing the couple’s ability to bring together diverse communities for a common cause.
The Power of Arts and Sports
The 13&87 Foundation’s focus on arts and sports is rooted in research showing the benefits of these activities for youth development. Studies have found that participation in arts programs can improve academic performance, boost self-esteem, and reduce stress, while sports programs promote physical health, teamwork, and discipline. By offering both, the foundation provides a holistic approach to youth empowerment, catering to a wide range of interests and talents.
Swift, who began writing songs as a teenager, has spoken about the transformative power of music in her life. “The arts gave me a way to express myself when I felt like no one understood me,” she said in a statement. “I want every kid to have that outlet.” Kelce, who credits football with teaching him resilience and leadership, emphasized the importance of sports in building character. “The field is where I learned to work hard and never give up,” he said. “We want kids to have that same opportunity to grow.”
The foundation’s programs are designed to be inclusive, welcoming children of all abilities and backgrounds. Special efforts will be made to engage girls and nonbinary youth in sports, addressing gender disparities in athletic participation. Similarly, arts programs will prioritize accessibility for children with disabilities, offering adaptive tools and instruction.
Challenges and Future Goals
While the 13&87 Foundation has generated significant excitement, it faces challenges common to large-scale philanthropic initiatives. Ensuring consistent funding, scaling programs to meet demand, and maintaining quality across multiple locations will require careful planning. The foundation has already secured initial funding from Swift and Kelce’s personal contributions, as well as corporate sponsors and public donations. However, long-term sustainability will depend on continued support and effective management.
Looking ahead, the foundation aims to expand its reach to 5,000 children by 2027 and establish permanent program sites in major cities. Plans are also in place to create an online platform where participants can showcase their work, from art projects to sports highlights, fostering a sense of community and recognition. Swift and Kelce have expressed interest in personally engaging with participants, potentially through workshops and mentorship sessions, though their busy schedules may limit their involvement.
A Cultural Milestone
The launch of the 13&87 Foundation is more than a charitable endeavor; it’s a cultural milestone that reflects the evolving role of celebrities in social impact. Swift and Kelce’s ability to unite their fanbases—Swifties and Chiefs Kingdom—has amplified the foundation’s visibility, drawing attention to the importance of youth programs. Their relationship, often celebrated for its authenticity and mutual support, has become a symbol of how collaboration can drive positive change.
As the 13&87 Foundation begins its work, it stands as a testament to the power of combining passion, influence, and purpose. By giving over 2,000 children access to arts and sports, Swift and Kelce are not only investing in individual lives but also inspiring a new generation to dream big. As Swift said at the launch event, “This is just the beginning. We’re here to make a difference, one kid at a time.”
