Ways You Can Help with the Wildfire Response
We are heartbroken at the loss experienced by communities in Southern California over the last few weeks. The scope and scale of the destruction is devastating and we’re sending our thoughts to everyone experiencing it firsthand and to anyone with family and friends in the greater Los Angeles area.
We have seen requests from people connected to CFGV for ideas of ways they can help support relief efforts. The list below, curated from other community foundations, journalists, and other people we know on the ground, offers some ways to contribute. Whether you give directly or use your CFGV Donor Advised Fund, we hope you find a way to give back that is meaningful to you.
Los Angeles Area Community Foundations
Community Foundations active in southern California are coordinating to plan for immediate and long-term response to the fires. Contributing to these funds will help people with urgent needs right now and also help communities with ongoing support for rebuilding.
Nonprofit Organizations Working in the Area
While this list includes many national and local nonprofit organizations currently active in Los Angeles, it doesn’t include everyone. We recommend vetting any organization you choose to support, but these will at least give you some ideas to start.
Supporting Workers and Families
- Baby2Baby: emergency supplies for children and families including diapers, food, formula, water, and more.
- Black Music Action Coalition: LA Fire Relief Fund to support residents and small businesses affected by the fires
- LAUSD Education Emergency Relief Fund: direct cash assistance to families and employees affected by the wildfires, support for teachers and students, and flexible assistance for other urgent needs including mental health support
- This is About Humanity from the International Community Foundation: support for front- and second-line farmworkers, day laborers, essential workers, and their families. They are matching up to $50,000 in donation sthrough January 31.
Supporting First Responders
- CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation: supports firefighters and their families
- California Fire Foundation: supports firefighters and their families
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation Wildfire Emergency Fund: supplies and equipment for LAFD firefighters
- Los Angeles Police Foundation: supporters police officers and their families
- Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund: the official charity of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
Supporting Pets and Animals
- Best Friends: supporting shelters in the area as well as operating West L.A. Pet Adoption Center
- Los Angeles Animal Services
- Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation: providing urgent care for animals impacted by the fires
- Pasadena Humane: in the wake of the Eaton Fire, Pasadena Humane has taken in over 700 animals, many with injuries from the fires.
- spcaLA: temporary shelter for evacuated pets and other support for pets and their families
Thank You
Regardless of how you choose to support the people and communities of Los Angeles, we thank you for your generosity. We believe community extends beyond this Valley and we appreciate you stepping up to help.
Simplified Summary
The Los Angeles area experienced three major wildfires in January of 2025. These fires caused lots of destruction. We have created this list to give you ideas of where you can donate to help. Thank you for your gifts.
