Calif. Fire Foundation raises $20M for fire department recovery grants

Grants, up to $25,000, will support community relief, community outreach, training, specialized equipment and vegetation mitigation and fuels reduction

April 10, 2025 08:47 AM

By David Wilson
Pasadena Star-News

PASADENA, Calif. — A nonprofit organization that supports firefighters announced that as of Monday, April 7, three months on from the devastating Southern California wildfires, it had raised more than $20 million to support relief efforts.

The California Fire Foundation provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect.

Through the funds raised, the foundation is offering grant opportunities for California-based fire departments, local firefighter associations, federally recognized tribes and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply.

“The California Fire Foundation is committed to providing critical support to the residents of Los Angeles County and Ventura County during these challenging times,” Executive Director Angie Carmignani said in a statement. “Our work and community support are more vital now than ever, with relief and recovery efforts expected to take years.”

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According to the foundation, projects that fall within the following focuses are eligible to receive up to $25,000: community relief and recovery; recovery planning, public education and/or community outreach campaigns; first responder training; specialized firefighting equipment and vegetation mitigation and fuels reduction.

Applications outside those focuses will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Three months ago this week, the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires damaged thousands of acres, destroyed more than 10,000 homes and killed 30 people.

The foundation has distributed 7,263 Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) cards, which provided more than $1.8 million of financial assistance to about 23,000 families.

In addition, it has provided $500,000 in Uber Eats vouchers, $20,000 in Postmates vouchers and more than $54,000 in DoorDash gift cards.

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