How Philanthropists Can Support West Coast Wildfire Relief

Many wildfires are currently burning across the western United States. Thousands of residents in California, Oregon and Washington have been evacuated, and entire communities have been destroyed. The damage across all three states has been record-breaking both in size and cost, with the wildfire season only just beginning.

For donors that are moved to help, but are unsure where to start, the non-exhaustive list below is provided as a resource. When recommending a grant, please indicate “Wildfire Relief” as the purpose of your grant to ensure that the charity correctly designates your gift. We encourage donors to research all charities and charitable impact prior to entering a grant recommendation.

 

National

American National Red Cross (EIN 53-0196605)

The Red Cross is working in communities throughout California, Oregon and Washington, managing emergency shelters and evacuation points.

Center for Disaster Philanthropy (EIN 45-5257937)

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy has established funds to help with recovery efforts in areas affected by wildfires; the California Wildfires Recovery Fund supports communities affected in California, and the Disaster Recovery Fund will assist communities in other parts of the U.S. and Canada.

Fire Family Foundation (EIN 36-4613248)

The Fire Family Foundation was established to directly support active and retired firefighters and their families across the country.

 

California

California Fire Foundation (EIN 68-0118991)

Through its Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program, the California Fire Foundation provides emergency cash relief to victims of disasters.

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County (EIN 94-2808039)

The Fire Response Fund at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County will help to address immediate relief as well as long-term recovery efforts in Santa Cruz County.

SPCA for Monterey County (EIN 94-1167409)

The SPCA is assisting residents with evacuating, rescuing and sheltering animals in Monterey County.

 

Oregon

Greater Douglas United Way (EIN 93-0428566)

The Fire Relief Fund established at the Greater Douglas United Way will help to support relief and recovery efforts in Douglas County.

Keep Oregon Green Association (EIN 93-0202833)

Keep Oregon Green’s mission is to increase public awareness of wildfires, promote healthy landscapes and reduce human-caused wildfires.

Marion Polk Food Share (EIN 94-3034161)

In addition to providing emergency food assistance to those in need in Marion and Polk Counties, the Marion Polk Food Share is also providing food at temporary shelters for those that have been evacuated from their homes.

 

Washington

Community Foundation of North Central Washington (EIN 91-1349486)

The Community Foundation of North Central Washington established the NCW Fire Relief Fund to support long-term recovery needs in the area.

Project Beauty Share (EIN 27-1822098)

Based in Spokane, Project Beauty Share is collecting and distributing hygiene items to those displaced by the wildfires in Washington.

United Way of Whitman County (EIN 91-0853374)

The United Way of Whitman County has established the Whitman County Fire Community Relief Fund to families and individuals displaced by the fires.

 

NPT is not affiliated with any of the organizations described herein, and the inclusion of any organization in this material should not be considered an endorsement by NPT of such organization, or its services or products.

 

Joan Allmaras is a Philanthropic Services Specialist at NPT. She produces tailored, in-depth research on specific issues and geographic areas of interest to NPT’s donors. Ms. Allmaras holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of San Diego and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

 

NPT does not provide legal or tax advice. This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be, and shall not be relied upon as, legal or tax advice. The applicability of information contained here may vary depending on individual circumstances.