FireAid, the benefit concert that raised an estimated $100 million for those impacted by the Los Angeles fires last month, announced $50 million in grants on Tuesday to dozens of community-based organizations assisting in disaster recovery.
The initial round of grantmaking will support immediate needs like temporary housing, rental assistance, food access, and disaster case management, according to a FireAid statement. Each organization will receive at least $100,000.
Thirty of the world’s most popular bands and musicians, including Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Dr. Dre, No Doubt, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Wonder, Sting, and Earth, Wind & Fire, performed on Jan. 30 to raise money for people impacted by the L.A. fires. Concert organizers expanded the show to two L.A. venues to accommodate all the artists, and more than 50 million viewers across 28 broadcast channels and streaming platforms watched the six-hour live show.
The benefit concert raised millions through text-to-donate, ticket sales and corporate sponsorships. Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie matched every donation collected during the live broadcast, including a $1 million gift from the band U2.
FireAid organizers, including producers Irving and Shelli Azoff, convened an advisory committee and consulted with representatives from past catastrophes like the 2023 Maui fires before deciding how to distribute the money. A first round of funding to support immediate needs will be followed by future funding for longterm recovery like rebuilding. Applications are also open for smaller grants to community organizations of $10,000-$50,000.
The $50 million announced Tuesday will support community-based groups “on th