FireAid, the benefit concert that successfully raised an estimated $100 million to aid those affected by the recent fires in Los Angeles, has announced the allocation of $50 million in grants to various community organizations focused on disaster recovery. This decision was made public on Tuesday, outlining the support meant for pressing needs such as temporary housing, rental aid, food assistance, and disaster case management. Each recipient organization will receive a minimum of $100,000 in funds.
The concert, held on January 30, featured performances from some of the world’s most renowned musicians, including Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Dr. Dre, No Doubt, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Wonder, Sting, and Earth, Wind & Fire. To accommodate all the performers, the event was expanded across two venues in Los Angeles, attracting over 50 million viewers via 28 different broadcast channels and streaming platforms for the six-hour live event.
Significant funds were raised through multiple channels such as text-to-donate options, ticket sales, and corporate sponsorship deals. Notably, Steve Ballmer, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, and his wife Connie pledged to match all donations received during the live event, complementing a $1 million contribution from the band U2.
Organizers of FireAid, including producers Irving and Shelli Azoff, formed an advisory committee and consulted with experts from previous disasters, such as the 2023 Maui fires, to create a structured approach for distributing the funds. This initial round of funding aims to address immediate needs, with plans for additional assistance focused on long-term recovery efforts, notably rebuilding. Smaller grant opportunities ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 are also available for community organizations.
The $50 million in grants announced is intended to aid community organizations that are actively engaged in wildfire relief efforts. The funds will assist children and families, displaced workers, small businesses, and educational institutions among other sectors.
A FireAid spokesperson emphasized the goal of balancing support across various geographical areas and types of organizations, ensuring that both experienced large entities and grassroots groups familiar with the affected communities received assistance. Among the recipients is Project:Camp, a Los Angeles nonprofit focused on providing trauma-informed care for children impacted by disasters.
Henry Meier, the director of external affairs for Project:Camp, highlighted that thanks to the donations received, the organization was able to offer over 10,000 hours of free, trauma-informed care to nearly 1,000 children impacted by the wildfires.
Notably, while organizations were notified of their grant awards via email, some groups were unaware of their selection until contacted by other parties. The Eaton and Palisades Fires, which erupted on January 7, tragically claimed the lives of at least 29 individuals and led to the destruction of nearly 17,000 properties, including homes, schools, religious establishments, and businesses. Rebuilding efforts are projected to take several years, with over 135,000 individuals seeking assistance from FEMA, according to local officials.
For those interested, the FireAid concert remains accessible on various streaming platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Hulu, with the organization continuing to accept donations to support relief efforts.
