As wildfires continue to devastate communities across California, many people are seeking ways to provide meaningful assistance. One of the most effective ways to help is by supporting local community foundations, which are uniquely positioned to ensure that resources reach those in need.

As highlighted in our  Capital Gazette Commentary "Why You Can Trust Community Foundations with Disaster Relief", community foundations are deeply rooted in their regions. This allows them to quickly direct donations where they’re most needed—whether for medical supplies, shelter, food, or to address unforeseen needs. They work with vetted nonprofit partners to provide targeted and essential assistance, making a tangible difference in disaster relief.

Here are two organizations making a difference:

California Community Foundation (CCF) -Wildfire Recovery Fund

CCF ensures that resources reach those most in need, leveraging partnerships with community-based organizations and government agencies while using data from CalFire and the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index to prioritize underserved communities.

For the LA County wildfires, we’ve activated our fund to complement immediate relief, addressing the long-term recovery needs of neighborhoods long after media attention has shifted away. Thousands of generous individuals, foundations, and corporations have already answered the call and provided critical contributions. Our disaster and recovery efforts support an array of critical recovery services, including housing, case management, mental health, and medical care for displaced residents. It also aids in rebuilding essential infrastructure like emergency communication systems and offers financial disaster assistance, labor law education, and immigration services to low-wage workers and immigrant families.

Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) - Eaton Canyon Fire Recovery and Relief Fund

The Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) has opened the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund providing an opportunity for those who want to support immediate and pressing needs even as the fire continues to spread.  PCF has seeded the fund with an initial $100,000.   PCF will be reaching out to City leaders and nonprofit organizations to assess and evaluate how to best deploy resources. Together, we are committed to ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.

Note: Community foundations typically provide support to nonprofit organizations, rather than offering direct funding to individuals. This ensures that assistance is deployed in a coordinated and effective manner.

How You Can Help

If you’re looking for more options to contribute, the Greater Houston Community Foundation has compiled a list of community foundations and other national and local organizations that have established relief efforts in response to the California wildfires. While this list is not exhaustive, we encourage you to consider using your Donor Advised Fund at CFAAC or making a direct contribution to these critical efforts. Click here to see the list. 

If you're a CFAAC fundholder and have questions, please reach out to Jen at Jen@cfaac.org.

Together, we can support those affected by California’s wildfires and help rebuild communities in need.