One month after wildfires devastated Los Angeles, CCF awards additional $15 million in second round of grants to support immediate aid and long-term recovery.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2025
Contact: Press Office, California Community Foundation
Email: connie@cielostrategic.com; press@calfund.org
Los Angeles, CA – Pastor Kerwin Manning watched in disbelief as the Altadena fire erupted on television on January 7, taking with it homes of congregants and long time friends, treasured businesses, community spaces, and places of worship. A month later, Manning is still spending his days, nights and weekends fielding calls for help and organizing events to meet the scale of the need.
“People lost their homes, their dwellings, their possessions, for many the opportunity to secure their future with property that represented legacy and wealth,” Manning said. “But we have to remember that these people had lives before all this, and we have to ensure that victims can receive the help they need with their dignity intact. That’s something we owe them.”
The Pasadena Church pastor was among more than 130 organizations, including 11 places of worship, that received a grant from the California Community Foundation (CCF) last month. Today, the foundation announced its second round of Wildfire Recovery grants, totaling more than $15 million for an additional 84 non-profit organizations across the County. With this second round of grants, CCF has now distributed over $30 million—representing half of the $60 million raised so far for wildfire recovery. Additional funds will be allocated as rebuilding efforts progress and new contributions are secured. For a full list of the new grantees, please visit here.
CCF also oversees the charitable giving of more than 1,900 individuals and families who combined granted out an additional $7 million to support impacted communities across the region. The grants reflect CCF’s commitment to help the region restore and rebuild for the long arc of recovery that lies ahead.
“This round of grants builds on the foundation we set last month, to provide immediate relief as we work to ensure lasting restoration in communities affected by last month’s devastating wildfires,” said Miguel Santana, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation. “These new grantees will help rebuild homes, restore businesses and community organizations, and help families regain stability. Recovery is a continuous process, and CCF remains dedicated to supporting Los Angeles every step of the way.”
CCF’s grants empower a trusted network of nonprofit organizations offering direct financial aid,
legal support, artist support, disability services, mental health services, health and social services, senior and youth services, housing assistance, business stabilization, and more. The funding has expanded the reach of organizations like Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), who are supporting the unique needs of immigrants and refugees impacted by the wildfires, with limited access to traditional forms of government aid.
“The funding that CCF is providing is very important to this community because many do not qualify to receive FEMA or other federal or state grants,” said Matsya Malvaez, Membership Assistant at CHIRLA. “This is about humanity because everyone is going through the same thing.” Watch our video here to learn how CHIRLA is using grant resources to make a difference.
CCF has led disaster relief efforts in California since 2003. The foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund complements 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.