The Annual John Deere Classic Raises a Record-Breaking $16.9 Million
This year’s John Deere Classic was one for the record books. The company said the event made history by raising a record-breaking $16,944,896 for charity. According to the press release, the 2025 total includes a 9% bonus match for the 460 nonprofit organizations participating in its Birdies for Charity program.
“The Bonus Fund is what truly sets Birdies for Charity apart,” said Micaela Booth, director of Birdies for Charity. “These unrestricted dollars are game changers for our participating nonprofits. They allow organizations to respond to urgent needs, invest in long-term growth and expand their reach in ways that restricted funding often doesn’t allow. It’s one of the most meaningful parts of what we’re able to offer through this program.”
The Bonus Fund was established through a grant from John Deere and supported by other generous donations. It ensures that every dollar pledged through Birdies for Charity goes even further. John Deere also underwrites the entire Birdies for Charity program. This allows participating charities to receive 100% of every donation without paying any administrative fees.
“The John Deere Classic is proud to announce a record-setting $16.9 million raised for charity in 2025, along with an incredible 9% bonus match for the 460 incredible organizations participating in Birdies for Charity,” said Tournament Director, Andrew Lehman.
“This record year is a testament to the unwavering generosity of our entire region — John Deere, our corporate partners and the thousands of community members who give year after year,” Lehman continued. “John Deere’s deep-rooted commitment to corporate citizenship continues to be the driving force behind the tournament’s success and the life-changing impact we’re able to make together.”
The tournament also featured a Birdies for Charity contest, which invited fans to guess the number of birdies made during the event. Five finalists correctly guessed 2,102 birdies.
John Deere Highlighted the Classic’s Charitable Impact with These Numbers
- $16.9 million raised for charity in 2025 — a new tournament record
- 460 nonprofit organizations participated in this year’s Birdies for Charity program
- 9% bonus match provided to all participating charities
- 100% of donations go directly to nonprofits — no administrative fees
- $206.6 million in total charitable giving since the tournament’s inception in 1971
- 99% of all-time giving raised since John Deere became title sponsor in 1998
- $45.19 per capita charitable giving — leading the PGA Tour for over a decade
Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.
