Southern California Wildfires: How Donors Can Provide Relief and Support

As of January 9, a series of deadly, wind-driven wildfires have spread through Los Angeles County in California, resulting in multiple fatalities, over a thousand structures destroyed, and at least 180,000 residents under evacuation orders.

DAF donors are uniquely situated to provide a rapid response in the face of challenges, and the need right now is significant. For donors who are witnessing this devastation and want to support those directly affected by the fires, we have created a non-exhaustive list of local and national organizations and community foundations actively engaged in relief efforts.

By tapping into the expertise of organizations already working with the people affected by disasters, donors can lend support quickly and efficiently where it is most needed. If your employer manages employee giving efforts, consider checking to see if they offer a match for donations.

When recommending a grant, please indicate “Southern California fires” or “Palisades fires” as the purpose of the grant to ensure that the organization correctly designates the gift. We encourage donors to research all organizations prior to entering a grant recommendation.

Donors can consider the following organizations, which are immediately serving those directly impacted across the region:

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation (EIN 27-2007326) is seeking funds to equip LAFD members battling wildfires with equipment and supplies such as emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks and critical tools.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (EIN-33-0416470) is accepting donations which are being used to help affected families with immediate support and will be heavily involved in long-term recovery.

The California Community Foundation (EIN-95-3510055) is managing immediate and long-term recovery efforts through direct support for location organizations through its Wildfire Recovery Fund.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is reaching out to its network of more than 600 partner agencies to assess their needs, and if they are in an evacuation area, if they continue to operate.

Best Friends Pet Adoption Center Los Angeles (EIN-23-7147797) is on the ground in Los Angeles, offering help and support to local animal welfare organizations in immediate need.

The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIN 95-1644609), through its Defy: Disaster initiative, is supporting first responders, families and communities in need, and will support rebuilding efforts.

World Central Kitchen (EIN 27-3521132) provides fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate and community crises, and is actively engaged in the Los Angeles area.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (EIN 45-5257937) oversees ta permanent Wildfire Recovery Fund, which continually supports disaster relief in the United States, including long-term recovery and resilience.

GlobalGiving (EIN 30-0108263) supports nonprofits by connecting them to donors and companies.  The GlobalGiving California Wildfire Relief Fund is offering critical resources to locally driven relief efforts including shelter, food, water, medical care and mental health support to those in affected areas.

Learn more about how you can expand your disaster giving strategy by supporting organizations addressing long-term resiliency and consider these impactful disaster relief strategies in your giving goals for 2025.