Los Angeles Wildfire Funds & Resources

We stand in collective anguish as news outlets report on the wildfire devastation family, friends, and fellow Californians in the Los Angeles area face – and will continue to face long after the news coverage ends. If you or your loved ones have been directly impacted by the fires, our hearts are with you.

Thousands of structures have been affected, and at least 24 civilians have lost their lives, leaving others with significant injuries. More than 200,000 residents have been displaced from the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena, Sylmar, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, and surrounding neighborhoods. Hundreds of thousands of southern California residents have also experienced power outages as a result of these events.

Relief and recovery require both immediate action and sustained long-term support. We know that disasters such as wildfires often exacerbate existing inequalities, especially in low-income communities and communities of color. Philanthropy’s role is crucial in resourcing resilience while centering those who are often overlooked in disaster response and long-term recovery.

Catalyst is proud to work in alliance with SoCal Grantmakers and Northern California Grantmakers through Philanthropy California, and in partnership with the Governor’s Office, Cal OES, the League of California Community Foundations, and other national partners, to coordinate a public and philanthropic response to these devastating events. Our colleagues at SoCal Grantmakers are leading the charge to ensure that philanthropy can step up in ways most needed for the community they call home. Here are three actions you can take immediately:

1. UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS: Join us for a Philanthropy California special funder briefing this Friday, January 17, from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm where we will provide an update on the current philanthropic response in the region and the needs on the ground.
2. SUPPORT EXISTING FUNDS: Visit the Philanthropy California 2025 Disaster Response Page to view vetted disaster response and community preparedness funds that need your support. This page will be regularly updated with newly vetted funds and resources. If you have questions or want to share active funds or resources on the page, please email Lily Bui, Climate and Disaster Resilience Manager at SoCal Grantmakers.
3. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE: As we approach the one-year anniversary of the San Diego floods and monitor numerous red flag warnings in our region, we know the need for a coordinated disaster response plan for philanthropy in our region will only grow. If you would like to be involved in our region’s planning, please contact me directly at [email protected] – we need your voice.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Megan Thomas