FireAid announced $50 million in grants to local groups helping LA wildfire survivors after raising $100 million.
The first round of grants will address urgent needs such as temporary housing, rental aid, food access, and disaster case management, FireAid announced. Each organization will receive a minimum of $100,000.
A powerhouse lineup of thirty top artists, from Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga to Dr. Dre and Stevie Wonder, performed on Jan. 30 in a massive benefit concert for L.A. fire victims. With overwhelming participation, organizers staged the event across two L.A. venues. Over 50 million people watched the six-hour show across 28 broadcast and streaming platforms.
Millions were raised through ticket sales, text-to-donate campaigns, and corporate sponsors during the benefit concert. Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, and his wife, Connie, pledged to match all donations made during the broadcast, including U2’s $1 million gift.
To ensure effective fund distribution, FireAid organizers, including Irving and Shelli Azoff, consulted an advisory committee and experts from past disasters like the 2023 Maui fires. The first round of funding will go toward urgent relief, followed by additional grants for long-term recovery and rebuilding. Community groups are also eligible for grants between $10,000 and $50,000.
The $50 million announced Tuesday will fund community-based groups working directly on wildfire relief, FireAid stated. The grants will support children and families, displaced workers, small businesses, and schools, among other affected groups.
The Eaton and Palisades Fires, which ignited on Jan. 7, left a trail of devastation, killing at least 29 people and leveling nearly 17,000 structures, including homes, schools, and businesses. With rebuilding expected to take years, over 135,000 residents have applied for FEMA assistance, according to Los Angeles County.
