by Patrick Mahomes: Using His Platform for Good
Patrick Mahomes has become one of the biggest stars in the NFL thanks to his incredible talent and skill on the football field. As the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes has shattered records and led his team to championship victories. However, Mahomes’ impact extends far beyond the gridiron. Off the field, he has consistently used his growing platform and influence to give back to his community and advocate for important causes. Through charitable initiatives, donations, and speaking out on social issues, Mahomes demonstrates his commitment to creating positive change.
15 and the Mahomies Foundation
One of the primary ways Mahomes makes an impact is through his own nonprofit organization, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. Established in 2019, the foundation takes its name from Mahomes’ jersey number and aims to improve the lives of children facing disadvantages. According to its website, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation “is dedicated to improving the lives of children through programs focused on health, wellness, and communities in need of support.”
The foundation supports a variety of initiatives that directly benefit youth. One example is the “15 for 15” program, which provides grants of up to $15,000 to different charities and organizations focused on children’s causes. Past grant recipients include groups that provide after-school programs, youth sports opportunities, and assistance for families dealing with cancer or other hardships. 15 and the Mahomies Foundation also hosts annual charity softball games and experiences where proceeds go towards helping more children.
In addition to direct grants and fundraising events, the foundation has partnered with other nonprofits to expand its positive impact. One partnership is with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, which provides after-school and summer programs for kids. Through this collaboration, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation supports Club programs and helps give more young people access to mentorship, academic support, and character development. They also work with Harvesters, a food bank serving Missouri and Kansas, to address childhood hunger.
Clearly, Mahomes prioritizes using his charitable organization to directly invest in children’s well-being, health, and futures. From funding grassroots community groups to teaming up with established nonprofits, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation makes a tangible difference through strategic philanthropic initiatives. By establishing this as his primary charity, Mahomes ensures his platform continually uplifts youth in need.
Feeding Kids During the Pandemic
In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the United States, Mahomes recognized an urgent need in his own community – many school-age children were losing access to free or reduced-price meals due to widespread school closures. To help address this challenge, Mahomes partnered with food delivery service DoorDash on an initiative called “DoorDash Drive for Good.”
Through this collaboration, DoorDash and 15 and the Mahomies Foundation worked with the Kansas City public school district to deliver meals directly to the homes of students who relied on school lunches. Over several months in 2020, the program provided thousands of meals to children and families struggling with food insecurity exacerbated by the pandemic. DoorDash volunteers assisted in meal assembly and deliveries.
By leveraging his relationship with DoorDash, Mahomes helped ensure hungry kids didn’t go without during a time of widespread hardship. The initiative showed Mahomes’ ability to swiftly mobilize resources and address pressing community needs as they arise. It’s also a testament to how celebrities and corporations can work together effectively on charitable partnerships. Thanks to Mahomes’ involvement, many Kansas City families had one less worry during an already stressful period.
Advocating for Social Justice
In addition to direct charitable work, Mahomes has used his platform to advocate for important social issues. As one of the most high-profile Black athletes in America today, he has consistently spoken out against racism and discrimination. In 2020, following the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black victims, Mahomes added his voice to nationwide protests against racial injustice and calls for reform.
On social media, Mahomes posted messages in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. He tweeted, “How many times will we have to question if people of color matter in this world… Change needs to happen now!” Mahomes also joined other NFL players in releasing a video statement condemning racism and police brutality. The video garnered widespread attention and support for the athletes’ advocacy.
Mahomes backed up his words with actions as well. He donated to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Legal Defense Fund and the National Urban League’s Empowerment Program, two organizations working to advance racial equality and justice. His donations of $10,000 each helped further important anti-racism initiatives.
The quarterback has also used his platform to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports. He advocated for the NFL to acknowledge and address its own lack of minority head coaches and front office executives. Thanks in part to Mahomes and others speaking out, the league has since implemented new rules intended to promote more opportunities for coaches and executives of color.
By lending his influential voice to racial justice causes and donating money to impactful nonprofits, Mahomes demonstrates his commitment goes beyond performative statements. He understands the responsibility that comes with his celebrity platform and consistently uses it to uplift marginalized communities and push for positive change. Mahomes sets an example for how athletes can use their visibility to advocate for important social issues.
Continuing His Legacy of Giving Back
Nearly five years since establishing his foundation, Mahomes’ charitable work and advocacy have only expanded. He remains actively involved with 15 and the Mahomies Foundation’s initiatives, from participating in fundraising events to promoting its mission. The organization continues awarding grants, hosting experiences, and working with partner nonprofits to maximize its impact on children.
Beyond his own nonprofit as well, Mahomes finds other impactful ways to give back. He has donated to relief efforts following natural disasters like Hurricane Ida. Mahomes also partners with other celebrities on charitable collaborations, such as teaming up with singer/songwriter John Legend to provide school supplies for underprivileged youth.
Looking to the future, it’s clear Mahomes’ philanthropic legacy is just beginning. As his fame and influence grow, so too will his ability to uplift important causes and communities in need. Whether through strategic charitable work, advocacy on social issues, or mobilizing resources in times of crisis, Mahomes consistently uses his platform for good. He understands the responsibility that comes with celebrity and is committed to creating positive change through strategic giving.
From establishing his own foundation focused on children to speaking out against racism and ensuring kids had meals amidst a pandemic, Mahomes has proven himself a role model in philanthropy and advocacy. Both on and off the field, he leaves an impressive legacy of leadership, character and giving back. Through strategic partnerships, donations, and raising awareness, Mahomes maximizes his influence to uplift others – especially youth facing disadvantages. He sets an example of how celebrities can consistently and meaningfully contribute to their communities. Mahomes’ charitable work and advocacy are just as impressive as his talent in football, demonstrating how he truly is making a difference with his platform.
