As wildfires continue to devastate the Los Angeles region, the incredible volunteerism and compassion on display offer hope in the face of crisis. Communities are rallying to help one another, and philanthropy is stepping up alongside them to play a role in providing aid and recovery.  

While immediate needs are critical, it’s equally important to consider medium-term and long-term support and service provision, especially for under-resourced communities and communities that need assistance navigating complex bureaucracies to receive help effectively. Helping people resettle, rebuild, and access essential services, including housing, healthcare and education, requires ongoing, sustained commitment. Flexible funding, especially general operating support, allows organizations to respond to evolving needs with stability and agility. For philanthropists, splitting funding between immediate relief and longer-term efforts can ensure critical gaps are addressed even after the initial wave of aid.  

For more insights on effective disaster giving, we encourage you to explore our guide on strategic giving in disaster scenarios. 

To help provide relief and support, we’ve compiled a list of trusted organizations assisting those impacted by the fires. 

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is sheltering evacuees and offering critical services across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Kern Counties. Their efforts include operating two emergency shelters for those displaced by the fires.  

Animal Wellness Foundation
The Animal Wellness Foundation is providing shelter and food for pets left behind during evacuations, using a former veterinary hospital in Marina Del Rey. 

Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby is distributing critical items such as diapers, food, formula, and hygiene products to children and families in need. The organization works with 470 partner organizations, including schools, shelters, and hospitals across LA County.  

California Fire Foundation
Providing direct support to the 7,500 firefighting and emergency personnel on the ground, the California Fire Foundation is a vital part of the emergency response.  

Disaster Recovery Fund
In addition to awarding grants for specific emergencies, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s (CDP) Disaster Recovery Fund makes strategic investments in research, preparedness, and planning, fully demonstrating the value of a streamlined, long-term approach. As a permanent resource for the disaster philanthropy community, the fund extends beyond the crisis of disaster response to help create truly resilient communities, all the while combining efforts for the greatest impact. 

Entertainment Community Fund
This fund aims to help those in the entertainment industry affected by the Southern California Wildfires. Emergency financial assistance is available for people who are unable to pay their immediate basic living expenses such as housing, food, utility bills or health care. 

Legal Help After a Disaster
The aftermath of a disaster brings numerous challenges, from securing basic needs to navigating complex legal issues. If you have been impacted by California’s wildfires, resources are available to assist with securing federal aid, filing insurance claims, replacing lost legal documents, resolving landlord-tenant disputes, consumer protection matters, and more. 

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation provides vital equipment and funds critical programs to help the LAFD save lives and protect communities. 

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is actively collaborating with government agencies and nonprofit organizations to deliver food and essential supplies to those impacted by the fires. Donations of money, food, and time (volunteer efforts) are welcome.  

Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon is serving communities all over the country in 2024, from a glacial flood in Alaska to the devastation of Hurricane Helene in the Southeast, from Long Term Recovery operations in Kentucky to wildfire response in California. 

Wildfire Crisis Relief – Jewish Federation Los Angeles
JFEDLA has created a Wildfire Crisis Relief Fund to support our neighbors affected by this catastrophic event. One hundred percent of your gift will go directly to those who need it most.    

World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen’s Southern California relief team is providing meals to evacuees and first responders. Their work ensures that those on the frontlines and in shelters have access to fresh, nourishing food.  

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