Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have donated US$26 million (S$33.6 million) to charities this week ahead of their Friday (Jul 3) wedding at Madison Square Garden.
The donations were spread out across 20 local and national charities, according to Swift’s publicist, with many located in areas where the couple has deep ties. The announcement did not include any mention of Swift and Kelce’s wedding, but a law enforcement official briefed on security plans has told AP that the wedding will be held Friday, with a smaller rehearsal dinner Thursday night.
Nine of the selected organisations are based in New York, ranging from the Food Bank For NYC, City Harvest, to Musical Mentors, a nonprofit that connects music teachers with students in need.
Just how much each charity received was not disclosed.
Other charities reflected where Swift and Kelce have also called home, including the Rhode Island Community Food Bank – where Swift owns an estate in Watch Hill – and the Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri – where Kelce plays tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
A handful of national groups also received money: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a book giveaway programme spearheaded by the music legend; the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Feeding America.
The large donations ahead of Swift and Kelce’s wedding is reminiscent of charitable gifts the couple has given in the past. Swift, a billionaire, gave millions to food banks ahead of her Eras Tour stops, while Kelce has been recognised by the Chiefs for winning “charity challenges” and operating his own nonprofit.
Swift and Kelce have been in a relationship since 2023, enthralling millions around the world. Their relationship has been documented in countless shots of Swift celebrating at Chiefs games and fan videos of Kelce dancing along at Swift’s Eras concert tour as it travelled the globe. In 2025, they announced their engagement but have remained mum on wedding details.
Yet buzz has remained high around New York’s MSG, with multiple trucks and crews going in and out delivering materials for what is expected to be an elaborate event.