FireAid Releases Another $25M In Grants

FireAid, the benefit concert that raised approximately $100 million for relief in the wake of the January wildfires in Southern California, announced the distribution of an additional approximate $25 million, in a second round of grants, following the approximately $50 million released in February.

The new $25 million in grants supports initiatives around financial and housing stability, mental health and trauma services for families and individuals, and community infrastructure. Funding will also go toward environmental remediation, soil testing, permitting support, and sustainable rebuilding efforts. Funding for educational support will help students regain a sense of normalcy. Aid is also being distributed to small businesses and displaced workers.

The Round Two grants are divided into four categories: Continued Relief for Wildfire Victims and Communities ($5.95 million), Wildfire Recovery ($16.975 million), Critical Information for Fire Victims ($700,000), Symbols of Hope ($500,000), and an another $1 million to fund a FireAid project with the LA County Fire Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to provide a special firefighting vehicle for Altadena and an additional wildfire preparedness vehicle for the Palisades in advance of the upcoming fire season. The full list of organizations, broken down by category, can be found HERE.

FireAid’s Grants Advisory Committee—composed of LA-based philanthropy experts—is working closely with local organizations, the communities, and the wildfire victims impacted to assess needs as they have evolved since January. The Advisory Committee is using that information to make recommendations to the FireAid Board on how to distribute funds for the greatest impact. Recommended funding allocations are put through a due diligence process to adhere to the guidelines for public charities. Each grant, once approved by the FireAid Board of Directors, is distributed by FireAid’s DAF with 100% of the money raised from the FireAid benefit concert going directly to fire relief for impacted communities and wildfire victims.