October 31, 2019

Charities Providing Direct Relief from California Wildfires

Author Joan Allmaras, Philanthropic Services Associate

Wildfires throughout California, including the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County and the Getty Fire in Los Angeles County, have caused hundreds of thousands of evacuations over the last week. The 501(c)(3) U.S. charities listed below are actively working to provide relief and support to impacted communities.

When recommending a grant, please indicate “California Wildfire Relief” as the purpose of your grant to ensure that the charity correctly designates your gift. We encourage our donors to research all charities and charitable impact prior to entering a grant recommendation.

 

American National Red Cross (EIN 53-0196605)

The Red Cross has established shelters throughout California, providing immediate relief to thousands of people each night over the last week. In addition to emergency accommodations, shelters also provide meals and snacks, health services and emotional and spiritual support.

 

California Community Foundation (EIN 95-3510055)

The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund supports intermediate and long-term relief and preparedness efforts. Grants have been awarded to organizations supporting those who were displaced, lost housing or are experiencing mental and physical health problems. Funds also provide case management and financial assistance for victims, green rebuilding education and disaster preparedness information.

 

California Fire Foundation (EIN 68-0118991)

The California Fire Foundation’s programs include emergency support to departments and families of firefighters killed in the line of duty, educational assistance for children of fallen firefighters and immediate and short-term cash assistance for victims of fire and other natural disasters throughout the state of California.

 

Center for Disaster Philanthropy (EIN 45-5257937)

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy has launched the 2019 California Wildfires Recovery Fund, which will provide grants for strategic medium- and long-term recovery efforts in the communities affected by this fire season.

 

Community Foundation Sonoma County (EIN 68-0003212)

In 2017, CFSC established the Sonoma County Resilience Fund to address the area’s mid- and long-term recovery needs from wildfires. The fund focuses on helping individuals affected by the fires, healing the effects of trauma and finding housing solutions.

 

Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIN 95-1644609)

Through its Music for Relief crisis response program, EIF manages the Fire Relief Fund to provide assistance to first responders as well as survivors of wildfires in the state.

 

International Association of Fire Fighters Foundation (EIN 61-1629460)

The IAFF provides financial assistance through its Disaster Relief Fund to firefighters who have experienced displacement, damage or destruction of their homes.

 

Latino Community Foundation (EIN 81-0564400)

The Latino Community Foundation established the NorCal Wildfire Relief Fund in response to the wildfires that devastated Wine Country in 2017. The fund has been reactivated to support Latino and immigrant families that have been displaced, and donations will support services including translation, an evacuation center and housing assistance.