In the wake of political orders and actions that are bringing fear into our communities, leaders reaffirm their commitment to protecting communities, defending progress, and keeping the California Dream within reach for all.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2025
Contact: Press Office, California Community Foundation
Email: connie@cielostrategic.com; press@calfund.org

Los Angeles, CA – The California Community Foundation (CCF) has raised $50 million from more than 36,000 donors across Los Angeles – and the world – to support the most vulnerable and impacted by the region’s devastating wildfires. This overwhelming generosity has allowed CCF to provide over $20 million in critical grants to more than 130 organizations across LA County. This aid, provided within 10 days of the blazes starting, delivers critical aid to help families, workers, and small businesses across the region manage this crisis.  

As thousands remain displaced from their homes, jobs, schools, and places of worship, the need for support remains. CCF is working alongside community partners to assess evolving needs and will distribute additional funding to support long-term stability and rebuilding efforts in the weeks ahead. The organization has committed to giving half the funding to immediate efforts in the first month of the wildfire disaster.

“Once the fires began, CCF instantly mobilized its wildfire recovery fund to provide immediate help. But we know recovery doesn’t end when the fires are contained – this is a years-long journey that requires sustained commitment. We will be here for the long haul,” said Miguel Santana, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation. “Our work would not be possible without the incredible support of our donors – more than 36,000 who have given from 5 dollars to $4 million to express their love for Los Angeles and faith in our resilience.”

As an active partner in the region’s recovery, CCF ensures communities lead the rebuilding process. Its grants support a trusted network of organizations providing direct financial aid, legal support, mental health services, housing assistance, and small business stabilization. This funding has expanded the capacity of organizations like New Economics for Women, allowing them to offer temporary housing, childcare, and direct cash relief to families who lost homes and jobs.

“Thanks to the generosity of the California Community Foundation, we can provide additional direct financial assistance to individuals who have lost their homes, jobs, or businesses,” said Leticia Andueza, CEO of New Economics for Women. “In this time of hardship, our team is here to support those affected and offer a helping hand to rebuild and move forward.” Watch our video here to learn how CCF and New Economics for Women are making a difference.

As LA County moves into long-term recovery, CCF’s grantmaking will continue to align with FEMA best practices, prioritizing rehousing wildfire survivors, providing relief for displaced workers, reopening small businesses, and restoring essential community infrastructure. The foundation granted $15 million on January 17th to support the efforts of hundreds of organizations that provide direct aid to thousands across the County. CCF also oversees the charitable giving of more than 1,900 individuals and families who combined granted out $5 million to support impacted communities. As aid continues to come in, CCF’s wildfire relief efforts will gain further visibility through a feature at this year’s GRAMMYs, helping to raise critical funds.

CCF has led disaster relief efforts in California since 2003. The foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund is designed to complement immediate relief efforts with sustained, strategic support, ensuring that communities have the resources they need to rebuild and recover. Committed to transparency and accountability, CCF ensures every dollar is maximized to deliver long-term impact. For a complete list of grantees and more information on how you can help, please visit the official Wildfire Recovery Fund website.

About the California Community Foundation (CCF):
Since 1915, CCF has served Los Angeles County as a public charitable organization dedicated to leading systemic change that strengthens communities. Managing $2.3 billion in assets and overseeing 1,900 charitable foundations, funds and legacies, CCF’s mission is to invest in, partner with and amplify the power of community toward a good life. For more information, visit www.calfund.org.

Los Angeles Times

The landmark contribution will build a permanent financial bedrock for the smaller cultural institutions that form the backbone of the region’s diverse creative communities.

The Fund will provide critical recovery support to small and mid-sized organizations that contribute to the region’s cultural fabric, with an emphasis on Black, Latinx, Asian, and Indigenous arts and culture organizations

Inside Philanthropy

New York Times

LOS ANGELES – The California Community Foundation (CCF) released the following statement from President and CEO Antonia Hernandez on the recent verdict in the George Floyd murder trial that took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota:

“Our justice system has prevailed today. We hope that the jury’s decision regarding the murder of George Floyd is the first step in bringing his family peace and closure and helps them and our country begin to heal. This is an opportunity to create a new legacy of equity and justice.

“At CCF we will continue to advocate for new approaches that move away from the policing and criminalization of Black and Brown people towards more equity-centered public safety solutions. We remain committed to investing in systemic change which addresses the root causes of racism and disinvestment, which have disproportionately impacted Black communities. We know that inequalities in education, health, civil rights and housing require investment in the capacity of people and communities in order to bring about real change.

“The wound of systemic racism scars all of us. Through programs such as BLOOM, the Black Empowerment Fund, and the Ready to Rise initiative, our funding and resources can have an impact by eliminating the criminalization of entire communities, especially boys and men of color, while building leaders.

“CCF is ready to continue to work with our leaders and community to invest and empower individuals and organizations that are developing responsive solutions, which includes funding, convening and advocating for fundamental changes.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Paula Valle Castañon at pvalle [@] calfund [.] org or 213.452.6233

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The California Community Foundation (CCF) has served as a public, charitable organization for Los Angeles County since 1915. Its mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. CCF manages 1,700 charitable foundations, funds and legacies.

Los Angeles Business Journal

Los Angeles Daily News