INGLEWOOD – As a result of the overwhelming support for the FireAid benefit concert from thousands of individuals around the world, dozens of sponsors and streaming partners, and the generous donation of time and talent from the music industry’s top performers, FireAid has proudly raised to date an estimated $100 million, half of which is being deployed today for immediate relief through a $50 million first set of grants.
This initial phase of gifting prioritizes community-based organizations that are on the front lines of wildfire relief. The selected organizations have the infrastructure, experience, and relationships necessary to efficiently and equitably deliver assistance to fire-impacted individuals and have each received $100,000 or more. The need for immediate relief funding remains dire and these funds will serve to assist with that goal. Rebuilding efforts will be the focus for FireAid phase two grants.
Grants have been allocated to support a myriad of fire-affected individuals including displaced residents, workers, small business owners and first responders, with a focus on essential services, food assistance, childcare support, critical healthcare resources, housing support, rental relief, student assistance programs, and navigation services to ensure victims can access legal resources, government benefits and seamlessly work through challenging paperwork.
The first phase of funds will be fully distributed by the end of February. Phase two funding will focus on additional relief needs including sustaining long-term recovery, remediation, and rebuilding, and further address environmental issues. Survivors of prior megafires and experts with whom FireAid consulted emphasized how crucial it is to reserve funds for unanticipated needs raised by communities, and to be both responsive and flexible, in planning for all phases of recovery.
The full list of organizations can be found HERE.
FireAid, brought together more than 50 million viewers across 28 streaming platforms and featured moving performances from more than 30 artists at two venues, Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum. The estimated amount raised includes ticket sales for both venues, sponsorships led by presenting partners Kaiser Permanente and Scopely, merchandise sales, and donations from the public including generous private gifts from the Azoff family, the Eagles, Andrew Hauptman and Ellen Bronfman Hauptman and U2. FireAid’s producing partner was Live Nation. Operating partner LA Clippers underwrote all production expenses. Steve and Connie Ballmer continue to match all pledges received from broadcast. The concert is available on demand HERE.
To begin to address that need, FireAid has also established a program for the issuance of smaller grants available to community-based organizations, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. More details on how to apply can be found at FireAidLA.org.
FireAid operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ensuring compliance with all state and federal regulations. Individuals seeking direct assistance are encouraged to contact a participating nonprofit, with a list available HERE.