California Wildfires: How You Can Help

A series of deadly wildfires is raging across California, forcing the evacuation of entire communities as businesses, homes and lives are lost.

Now the deadliest fire in California history, the Camp Fire has destroyed more than 130,000 acres and 7,600 homes. The fire is only 35% contained, leaving 15,000 more homes directly in danger.

As the Chicago region’s community foundation, we are honored to share the efforts of our local counterparts to help support the residents of their communities.

North Valley Community Foundation

The North Valley Community Foundation created the Camp Fire Relief Fund to provide financial resources to organizations responding to those affected by the Camp Fire in Northern California.

In the immediate term, the Fund is actively getting money to the organizations sheltering people affected by the Camp Fire—to date, more than $300,000.

In the long term, NVCF will work with community leaders and service providers to determine needs and best uses of funds once the fire is out and attention turns to recovery efforts. Donate today at nvcf.org.

California Community Foundation

The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund will support intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for communities affected by the Camp Fire.

Created in 2003, the Fund has raised $5 million over the years to support relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of devastating California wildfires, as well as preparedness efforts.

Learn about the Fund’s impact and donate today at calfund.org.

More Ways to Help

• The American Red Cross is providing emergency relief to people affected by the fires, from overnight shelter and food to family reunification.
• United Way of Northern California has established the NorCal Disaster Relief Fund to directly aid victims of the Camp Fire with emergency cash grants, as well as other support for local nonprofits helping the survivors.
• United Way of Greater Los Angeles, in partnership with United Way of Ventura County, has created the Southern California Disaster Relief Fund to help low-income individuals and families affected by the Hill and Woolsey Fires. While a portion of the Fund will support the American Red Cross’ immediate response efforts, its primary focus will be to help residents reestablish their lives in the aftermath of the fires.
• The Humane Society of the United States’ Emergency Rescue Fund coordinates with local shelters to help transport, rescue and provide aid relief for animals—from family pets lost during evacuations to wildlife injured or displaced by fire.

If you have a donor advised fund at The Chicago Community Trust, you can recommend a grant to support the organizations above or other community relief efforts by logging into Instant Impact.