2020 California Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund

California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect.Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mandate includes an array of survivor and victim assistance programs and community initiatives including: the California Firefighters Memorial, the Daniel A. Terry Scholarship for children of fallen firefighters, the California Firefighters Benevolent Fund, the California Last Alarm Service Team and Pipes and Drums of CPF, public safety campaigns in underserved communities via Firefighters on Your Side, the Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) Program, efforts for long term wildfire relief, and more.

California Community Foundation

The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund supports immediate, mid- and long-term recovery efforts for major California wildfires, as well as support for animals affected by wildfires. In the aftermath of a disaster, immediate relief needs are often clear – shelter, food, cash, and other basic needs. Long-term recovery is more complex and depends on each affected community’s needs. Grants from the Wildfire Relief Fund will go to community foundations or key anchor organizations in the affected areas because they are best positioned to establish a marathon viewpoint, as opposed to a sprint, due to their deep knowledge and enduring commitment to each specific community.

Direct Relief

Direct Relief responds each year to wildfires throughout the Western U.S., and in its home state of California. During fire responses, Direct Relief provides N-95 masks, medicine, and other resources to healthcare agencies and first responders in wildfire-affected communities across California. Direct Relief maintains a standing inventory of items needed during wildfires, such as N-95 masks and respiratory medications.

American National Red Cross

The American Red Cross is on the ground in California, providing help where dozens of dangerous wildfires have forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes. The largest fires include the LNU Lightning Complex, SCU Lightning Complex and CZO August Complex which have already consumed more than 765,500 acres in the northern part of the state. Two fires — the LNU Lightning Complex fire and the SCU Lightning Complex fire — are among California’s three largest wildfires in recorded history. The threat of new fires remains high with dry thunderstorms possibly sparking more fires this week and the Red Cross and partners are preparing to expand relief efforts if needed. In California, Red Cross disaster workers are focused on helping to make sure evacuees have a safe place to stay, including shelters and emergency hotel lodging where possible. Volunteers are also supporting cooling centers and temporary evacuation points, which are sites dedicated to directing evacuees to the best sheltering option for their individual needs. Red Cross disaster workers are also actively helping people affected by wildfires in Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

Center For Disaster Philanthropy

CDP is retooling its CDP California Wildfires Recovery Fund to invest more in building stronger communities so that they are better able to keep up with the increasing trend and threat of wildfires in the state. The Fund will also continue to prioritize medium- to long-term recovery, especially among vulnerable populations, while also making targeted investments in wildfire mitigation and risk reduction in California. CDP experts on staff work directly with local nonprofits, stakeholders and community groups to identify specific needs and gaps related to California’s most impactful wildfires. CDP consults with many of its in-state partners, such as the Governor’s Office of Emergency Service (Cal OES) and other agencies, to assess the long-term needs of affected communities and build collaborative partnerships. The programmatic expertise of CDP’s board, advisory council and staff – paired with an extensive network of disaster management experts – guides its grant-making strategy. These grants emphasize making targeted, holistic investments that will address the greatest emergent needs and gaps in the funding of mitigation and recovery efforts.