The SoCal Fire Fund, a collaborative relief and recovery effort launched to assist students, individuals, and families impacted by the Jan. 2025 wildfires in Southern California, has raised over $5.9 million to date. Thanks to the support of major donors including Amazon, NBCUniversal, and many other key contributors, the fund has already begun deploying resources, including direct cash assistance, hygiene kits, school supplies, personal protective equipment and more to over 5,000 individuals and families impacted by the wildfires.
This relief effort, spearheaded by the CAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency, Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE), a global humanitarian organization that empowers communities in and beyond crisis, and the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation, is administered by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), the creative community’s trusted partner in philanthropy. The fund is supported by numerous entertainment industry leaders and continues to provide critical, flexible, financial assistance, case management, and mental health services to the most vulnerable communities recovering from the wildfires.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of our donors who have helped us raise more than $5 million to directly support impacted individuals and families,” said CAA Foundation executive director Natalie Tran. “Each dollar raised supports a holistic approach to recovery, one that will be alongside our neighbors as they navigate the long and complicated road ahead.”
The SoCal Fire Fund utilizes these funds to offer flexible recovery support, including cash assistance, and case management to help navigate the requirements of FEMA and other government agencies. With more than 5,000 individuals and families receiving support so far, the fund’s impact is already being felt across the region.
“CORE knows that survivors need a range of committed support over the next few years. Partnering with CAA Foundation, LAUSD Education Foundation and EIF enables this,” said CORE co-founder and CEO Ann Lee. “The immediate impacts are clear – delivering over $1 million in cash, helping our most vulnerable families navigate a complex recovery process, and getting people home as quickly as possible. We are there for these families from the beginning and will be with them through their new beginnings.”
“Schools are the heartbeat of a community. After the devastating fires across our region, SoCal Fire Fund’s investment is making a direct impact in the lives of educators, students, and families,” said Interim Executive Director of the LAUSD Education Foundation Sara Mooney. “We have been able to revitalize classrooms, celebrate our communities’ resilience, and support our dedicated educators whose lives have been impacted. We are privileged to stand alongside partners like CORE, EIF and the CAA Foundation in our collective service to those who need it the most.”
A Public Service Announcement highlighting the long road to recovery for Angelenos, and the importance of the SoCal FIRE FUND’s effort, was created and produced by Orbital Studios, a film and television production studio specializing in virtual production. The PSA, an in-kind donation from Orbital Studios, is voiced by Jaime Ray Newman, an Oscar-winning producer and accomplished actress. The PSA launches today and will air nationally on broadcast, syndicated and streaming platforms as well as on terrestrial and streaming radio.
“I’ve been living in LA for 25 years now, and the way the city has come together as a unified front has been extraordinary,” said Newman. “I’m proud to have been a part of this PSA for the SoCal Fire Fund, alongside Orbital Studios. I hope this small contribution resonates with folks around the country who can give, even a small amount, and help struggling communities rebuild our precious, beautiful and resilient L.A.”
The SoCal Fire Fund remains open to donations and encourages other companies, organizations, and individuals to contribute as recovery efforts continue in the coming months and years.
For more information on how to contribute or to learn more about the relief efforts, visit www.socalfirefund.org.
