Donating to the LA wildfire relief efforts is a small way each of us can help in what feels like a helpless situation. From providing much-needed shelter support for those left homeless by the fires to equipping first responders with gear and meals, we’ve compiled a list of just some of the charities focused on assisting LA’s residents as they work to rebuild their lives after these devastating wildfires.
Housing and Essentials Help for LA Residents
National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles (NCJW|LA)
NCJW|LA is providing critical support to wildfire-affected individuals and families by distributing $100 vouchers for clothing and household goods through their Council Shop stores, with plans to offer higher-value vouchers for rebuilding efforts. They are collecting donations of new and gently used items, such as clothing, bedding, and personal hygiene products, and hosting large-scale distribution events. Their Fire Relief Fund also provides direct cash assistance to families facing financial hardships due to the wildfires. Visit their website to learn more or contribute.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Since 1973, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has worked to fight hunger across Los Angeles County by distributing nutritious food through a network of over 600 partner agencies and programs. They are mobilizing resources to address urgent needs caused by the wildfires, ensuring displaced families and affected communities have access to food and essential supplies. Items like peanut butter, trail mix, diapers, and toiletries are being collected at their distribution centers, and volunteers are helping to support these efforts. Visit their website to donate or learn more.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen (WCK) is dedicated to providing fresh, nourishing meals to communities affected by humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Known for its swift response, WCK partners with local organizations and food trucks or sets up emergency kitchens to deliver comfort and hope through good food. Their Relief Team is currently serving first responders and families in Southern California, mobilizing across the Los Angeles area to provide hot, nutritious meals to those impacted by the wildfires. Visit their website to support their efforts.
It’s Bigger Than Us
It’s Bigger Than Us is a movement dedicated to uplifting underserved communities in South Los Angeles by connecting them with essential resources and support. They focus on addressing core human needs through food distribution, healthcare services, and community engagement. Currently they are requesting monetary donations to expand their fire relief operations. In addition, they are requesting physical donations of new clothing, bottled water, as well as comfort items like toys, books, stuffed animals, personal care items, and linens. Find out more on their website.
Better Angels
Better Angels is committed to addressing the homelessness crisis in LA County by uniting the community to create meaningful change. In the wake of recent wildfires, they have launched an Emergency Assistance Fund to provide grants for low-income families who have lost their homes. These grants cover essentials like food, clothing, and personal items. Eligible families earning below 50% of the area median income can apply online, complete a brief interview, and receive funds electronically upon approval. Visit their website to donate or apply.
California Community Foundation (CCF)
Since 1915, the California Community Foundation has been a driving force for systemic change and community resilience in Los Angeles County. In response to the recent wildfires, CCF has activated its Wildfire Recovery Fund to address immediate and long-term recovery needs for affected communities. Leveraging partnerships with local organizations and government agencies, CCF provides grants for housing, mental health support, medical care, and infrastructure rebuilding. With over $30 million raised and $15 million already distributed to more than 100 nonprofits, CCF is committed to helping neighborhoods recover and rebuild. Learn more or contribute.
Support for Animals in LA
Pasadena Humane Society
Pasadena Humane is a vital resource for animals and their owners, offering shelter, medical care, and adoption services in the Pasadena area. During the Eaton Fire, they are leading efforts to rescue and care for pets, livestock, and wildlife impacted by the disaster. Emergency responders are evacuating and treating injured animals, while their shelter serves as a safe haven for small animals. Larger animals are directed to the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds. Pasadena Humane is also providing emergency boarding, free pet food and supplies, and setting up feeding stations for community cats in the fire zone. Donate on their website and also find out about volunteer and fostering opportunities.
Canine Rescue Club
Canine Rescue Club focuses on rehabilitating and rehoming dogs, working closely with established rescues to create a community dedicated to animal welfare. With local shelters overwhelmed by wildfire impacts, they are seeking 200 fosters who can commit to one to six weeks of providing temporary homes for displaced dogs. Contributions also support their rescue and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring these animals get the care they need during this crisis. Learn more or get involved.
Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends partners with shelters and rescue groups nationwide to save the lives of cats and dogs, aiming for a no-kill country by 2025. Their emergency response team is actively supporting local animal welfare organizations in Los Angeles, rescuing stranded pets, delivering supplies, and reuniting families with displaced animals. They’ve set up a location in West L.A. offering dog and cat food to the community without the need for appointments. Donations ensure immediate aid for animals impacted by the wildfires and continue to support their lifesaving efforts across the city. Learn more or donate.
Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation
The Angeles County Animal Care Foundation supports the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control by raising funds to help animals thrive and find forever homes. With wildfires posing unprecedented danger, the Foundation is urgently seeking donations to assist animals impacted by the crisis. Contributions directly support emergency care, shelter, and resources for animals in need. Donate here.
Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center
From racoons and opossums to ducks and hawks, The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center specializes in rehabilitating injured wildlife, providing critical medical care, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. With the recent fires, they are urgently seeking an oxygen concentrator and funds for medical supplies to treat burn victims and care for exotic animals rarely seen in their facility. Donations are crucial to support their lifesaving work and you can either donate directly on their website or shop their online wishlist.
Support for LA Wildfire First Responders
California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation provides essential support to firefighters, their families, and communities affected by wildfires and natural disasters. Their Wildfire & Disaster Relief programs offer direct assistance to victims, while the California Firefighters Benevolent Fund aids firefighters displaced or impacted by disasters, as well as those injured or killed in the line of duty. The Foundation also honors fallen heroes through initiatives like the California Firefighters Memorial and Cal-LAST, which supports fire departments during times of loss. Visit their website to donate or learn more.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The LAFD Foundation supports Los Angeles firefighters by providing essential resources, equipment, and programs to enhance safety, wellness, and operational efficiency. With just 3% of the city’s fire budget covering critical needs, the Foundation fills gaps through projects like securing PFAS-free protective gear, upgrading structure fire helmets, and implementing video-aided dispatch technology. Their efforts also include funding skid units for wildfire defense, extractors to reduce carcinogen exposure, and youth programs to inspire future firefighters. Donate here to help protect those who protect Los Angeles.
Location-Specific Charities
Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF)
Established in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation connects philanthropic resources with community needs, focusing on scholarships, grant-making, and disaster recovery. In response to the devastating Mountain Fire, VCCF has raised over $975,000 to provide direct financial assistance for families, emergency housing, childcare, and support for farmworkers. Their Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund also aids animal evacuation efforts and veterinary care for pets from displaced families. Collaborating with nonprofits like 805 UndocuFund, they ensure undocumented families receive financial aid and essential supplies. Donate here to support their impactful work.
Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF)
Established in 1953, the Pasadena Community Foundation supports Pasadena-area nonprofits through grants in areas such as health, human services, and education, while managing endowment funds to benefit the community for generations. In response to the Eaton Canyon Fire, PCF has launched the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, seeding it with $100,000 to address both immediate and long-term needs. Donations to the fund support local nonprofits providing essential relief and recovery services to affected residents and neighborhoods. Learn more or contribute.
General Charities with LA Wildfire Programs
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is tirelessly supporting communities affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern California. Working with local officials and nonprofits, they provide critical services, including shelter, food, emotional care, and financial assistance to families displaced by fires like the Palisades, Eaton, and Sunset Fires. Over 6,500 overnight stays, 33,000 meals, and vital supplies such as medications and eyeglasses have been provided. Disaster Recovery Centers in Los Angeles and Pasadena offer centralized aid, while financial assistance programs help families rebuild. Blood and platelet donations are urgently needed to address severe shortages. Donate or learn more.
Mercy Chefs
Dedicated to providing hot, chef-prepared meals to individuals and families affected by natural disasters, emergencies, and extreme poverty, Mercy Chefs is focused on providing meals to those affected by the devastating wildfires across Los Angeles County. They have already served thousands of meals to victims, first responders, and communities in need. Partnering with local organizations, Mercy Chefs operates a relief base in Southern California, distributing meals at key locations and offering hope during this challenging time. Each meal costs just $3.50, and donations help sustain these vital efforts, keeping families from going hungry and fueling first responders. Learn more, donate, or volunteer.
Greater Good Charities
Greater Good Charities is actively responding to the Southern California wildfires by delivering humanitarian aid to displaced families, evacuating shelter pets to safety, and providing emergency medicine, food, and supplies for horses affected by the flames. Although they aren’t locally based, their disaster response teams work closely with local L.A. agencies to distribute aid efficiently and assess the fire’s impact on wildlife. A special program with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, means donations are being temporarily matched, doubling the impact to help vulnerable communities and animals recover. Visit their website to donate and learn more about efforts.
Community Organized Relief Efforts (CORE)
CORE takes a community-powered approach to disaster response, prioritizing local input and flexible support for those affected. In response to the Los Angeles wildfires, their team is actively distributing cash vouchers to empower individuals to meet their unique needs, providing resources like N95 masks and hygiene kits, and assisting with FEMA applications. CORE also supports local shelters with WiFi, charging stations, and cellphone batteries, while their multilingual staff ensures immigrant communities receive the help they need. Donate today to sustain their impactful efforts.
Children and Teen Wildfire Relief Nonprofits
Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby provides essential items like diapers, clothing, and hygiene products to children living in poverty. In response to the recent wildfires, they have distributed over 5 million emergency supplies, including food, formula, water, and blankets, to vulnerable children and families who have lost everything. Working with 470 partner organizations across LA County, they are delivering essentials to evacuation centers, hosting pop-ups, and organizing volunteer sessions to pack supplies. Donations help sustain their long-term support for affected families during recovery and rebuilding. Learn more or donate.
Altadena Girls Fire Recovery
The Altadena Girls Fire Recovery focuses on helping teenage girls rebuild their sense of self and confidence after the devastation of the Eaton Canyon Fire, which destroyed schools and disrupted lives. Founded by Avery, a local teen, the initiative provides essentials like clothing, personal care items, and beauty products to help her peers regain a sense of normalcy. Donations support both immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts, ensuring these young girls can thrive despite the challenges they face. Donate on their fundraising page.
Save the Children
For over 100 years, Save the Children has worked to protect and uplift children worldwide, providing them with a healthy start, education opportunities, and safety from harm. During the historic wildfires in Los Angeles County, they are ensuring families receive essential emergency supplies and helping children resume learning and cope with the emotional impact of the disaster. By partnering with local organizations, they create lasting change and strengthen community resilience before, during, and after emergencies. Donate to the Children’s Emergency Fund to support their critical efforts.
Remember, every donation, no matter how small counts and makes a big impact during natural disasters like the Los Angeles wildfires. If you’re looking for ways to maximize your donation, consider using a RealtyCares real estate agent when you’re buying or selling a home. Every RealtyCares agent pledges to donate 10% of their commission to a nonprofit organization of your choice!
