Wildfires in Northern California are responsible for at least 42 deaths and the destruction of over 7,000 buildings across more than 191,000 acres. Statewide, 5,000 firefighters worked to contain the fires, the worst of which were in Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma counties.
Our heartfelt thoughts go out to our members, colleagues, friends and everyone else who has been impacted by the fires. We will continue to provide members with updated information and resources that may help you respond.
GWP’s peer organization, Northern California Grantmakers, will hold weekly funder calls to provide updates on the situation in fire-impacted communities, opportunities to provide support and emergent issues. The next call is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24 from 1:30 - 2:30 PM EST.
How Philanthropy Is Responding
Here is a list of compiled resources, news items, resources and programming for philanthropy in response to the destruction being left by the fires.
Sonoma County Resilience Fund
Community Foundation Sonoma County has established the Fund to address the mid- to long-term needs of their community.
Disaster Fund for Mendocino County
The Community Foundation of Mendocino County has established the Disaster Fund to provide disaster relief and recovery services in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Northern California Wildfires Relief
The Latino Community Foundation is raising funds to support three local Latino nonprofit organizations-- North Bay Organizing Project in Santa Rosa; La Luz Center in Sonoma; and UpValley Family Centers in Calistoga. These three groups work to support families and farmworker communities and are coordinating regional resources for immediate and long-term needs.
Disaster Relief Fund
Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) has activated a Disaster Relief Fund for fire victims. NVCF will also distribute immediate response grants to a targeted list of local nonprofits that were pre-approved to receive such grants following the 2014 earthquake. Grants will focus on organizations providing services such as medical care, counseling, temporary shelter and meals to the individuals and families affected by the fire.
United Ways' Northern California Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund
This is a joint fund created by the United Way of the Bay Area and United Way of the Wine Country. The goal of the United Ways' Northern California Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund is to provide immediate and long-term recovery assistance to North Bay residents affected by the wildfires.
United Way of the Wine Country
All gifts made through its website will be directed to area fire relief and recovery efforts until further notice.