Los Angeles Wildfires: Relief and Recovery Efforts

The devastating Los Angeles wildfires are mobilizing an unprecedented response from across the nation. Corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies are collaborating to provide both immediate relief and long-term recovery support as the number of affected communities continues to rise.

Corporate Response

Leading the corporate response, Disney has committed $15 million to relief and rebuilding efforts, while Walmart has pledged $2.5 million in aid. The NFL Foundation and four team owners have allocated $5 million for community support, alongside million-dollar contributions from Paramount and FOX Corporation to the American Red Cross. Other corporations are also pledging significant support for relief and rebuilding.

Local support includes the Annenberg and Wasserman Foundations’ joint $1 million contribution to the LA Fire Department Foundation, while the Credit Union of SoCal has established a $1.25 million interest-free loan program for affected residents. SpaceX is enhancing communication capabilities by providing free Starlink terminals to impacted areas.

Immediate Relief Efforts

Several organizations are providing crucial immediate assistance:

  • World Central Kitchen is collaborating with food trucks and local restaurants to serve meals to emergency personnel and evacuees.
  • The American Red Cross LA is operating 7 shelters that have provided safe refuge to over 1,000 individuals.
  • California Fire Foundation has granted over $4 million through their California Rises program.
  • The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is coordinating volunteers and accepting both financial donations and essential items.
  • Project Camp is setting up trauma-informed day camps for displaced children.
  • Airbnb, through 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for displaced residents.

Long-Term Recovery Planning

The federal government has authorized disaster relief for California, enabling affected residents to apply for federal assistance through the newly launched CA.gov/LAfires website. The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund focuses particularly on supporting vulnerable populations, including Native American, Muslim, migrant, and non-English speaking communities.

With damage estimates already approaching $100 billion, reconstruction will face significant challenges, particularly given Los Angeles’s existing housing shortage and limited construction workforce. However, organizations like the League of California Community Foundations are addressing these challenges. They are coordinating with local partners to support home rebuilding, replace lost belongings, and provide essential services including mental health support.

How You Can Help

Crisis reveals the power of collective action. A single donation, an hour of volunteering, a bag of supplies—each gesture ripples outward, touching lives and renewing hope. While major organizations welcome contributions, local groups also play vital roles in community recovery. With the fires still uncontrolled, Los Angeles has a long journey ahead and support remains crucial for its survival, resilience, and hopes of rebuilding.

Robert C. Robbins Advanced University of Arizona Through Philanthropic Legacy

During his 7-year tenure as University of Arizona President, Robert C. Robbins championed unprecedented philanthropic growth. Following his resignation in September 2024 due to a budget deficit, the university highlighted his many accomplishments.

Under Robert Robbins’ leadership, the university experienced a new era of private support for academic and research missions. The ambitious Fuel Wonder campaign, which aims to raise $3 billion, has made remarkable progress under R.C. Robbins’ stewardship, reaching 77% of its goal. This achievement reflects his ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors and articulate a compelling vision for the university’s future.

Among the most significant contributions during Dr. Robbins’ presidency was a $50 million gift from R. Ken Coit, leading to the naming of the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. This historic donation has strengthened the university’s position as a leader in pharmaceutical education and research.

University of Arizona President, Robert C. Robbins, meets with students and donors to acknowledge the impact of financial aid.

The James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences received a $20 million pledge from its namesake, James C. Wyant, reinforcing the university’s global leadership in optical science and engineering. Similarly, a $25 million gift from William A. Franke and his family established the W.A. Franke Honors College, enhancing opportunities for exceptional students.

In the field of integrative medicine, a $15 million commitment from Dr. Andrew Weil has furthered the university’s pioneering work in this innovative healthcare approach. This gift exemplifies how Dr. Robert C. Robbins has successfully aligned donor interests with the university’s strategic priorities.

These transformative gifts reflect Bobby Robbins’ ability to build lasting partnerships with philanthropic leaders who share his vision for academic excellence. Under his leadership, private giving became increasingly central to advancing the university’s mission, supporting everything from student scholarships to groundbreaking research initiatives. Robbins has stepped down from his role as University of Arizona President, however, his legacy will continue through his philanthropic engagement of the institution.

Year-End Giving: A Win-Win for Donors and Nonprofits

As December draws to a close, the spirit of giving reaches its peak, creating a powerful opportunity for both donors and nonprofit organizations. This surge in charitable giving isn’t just about holiday goodwill—it’s a strategic approach that benefits everyone involved.

For donors, the advantages of year-end giving are significant. Making charitable contributions before December 31st allows individuals to claim valuable tax deductions, potentially reducing their taxable income for the year. Many employers offer matching gift programs during this period, effectively doubling the impact of donations. Additionally, those with IRAs can benefit from charitable rollovers that count toward required minimum distributions while supporting causes they care about.

Leading organizations showcase the effectiveness of strategic year-end campaigns. The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign regularly raises over $100 million. It demonstrates how tradition and innovation can work together, combining their familiar bell ringers with modern payment options like QR codes and mobile giving. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Thanks and Giving Campaign reached the $1 billion milestone last year with the money going to support their work to advance research and treatment for pediatric catastrophic diseases. They transparently show donors the real-life impact of different gift levels and share stories of the children they serve.

Many nonprofits rely heavily on this season of generosity, with approximately 30% of annual giving in the US occurring in December alone. This concentrated period of giving helps organizations meet their annual budget goals, ensuring they can maintain and expand their vital programs in the coming year. The increased visibility during year-end campaigns also helps organizations attract new supporters and strengthen relationships with existing donors.

The timing couldn’t be better for creating meaningful impact. The holiday season can inspire reflection and gratitude, making people more inclined to support causes they care about. Whether honoring loved ones through memorial gifts, establishing a giving tradition, or simply sharing the joy of the season, end-of-year giving creates a ripple effect of positive change in communities.

Over 300 Santas Hit the Slopes for a Good Claus

On December 8th, over 300 skiers dressed in full Santa attire descended on Sunday River Resort in Maine for the 24th Annual Santa Sunday. Transforming the slopes into a festive spectacle, they also raised a record-breaking $9,000 for The River Fund Maine.

Though initially the event raised funds for various causes, in recent years it has evolved to support The River Fund Maine, a local nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students in the region. The money raised by the skiing Santas will help fund programs like scholarships for college and trade school education, youth workshops for skill development, youth recreational activities, and opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in collaboration with Sunday River Resort.

Participation required a $27 donation and a commitment to full Santa attire—complete with red hat, jacket, pants, and beard. Incentives included a free lift ticket for the day and a bonus ticket for a future visit. The event began with a group photo and continued with a group ski down the beginner-friendly Broadway trail.

A playful touch was added by participants dressed as a Grinch and a Christmas tree, bringing additional cheer to the philanthropic event. The impressive turnout this year and substantial fundraising underscored the community’s deep commitment to supporting local causes.

Santa Sunday is a great example of how holiday spirit and charitable giving can come together, creating a meaningful impact while providing a fun, memorable experience for participants.

Giving Tuesday: A Day of Global Generosity

Giving Tuesday, celebrated on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the US, has become an international event dedicated to charitable giving and acts of kindness. Launched in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y in New York and the United Nations Foundation, this day was conceived as a counterpoint to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The idea behind Giving Tuesday was that after days of shopping and deals, people would be inspired to give back. Using the hashtag #GivingTuesday, the movement quickly went viral on social media, uniting people worldwide in the spirit of generosity.

Giving Tuesday has grown a lot since its inception. In its first year, an estimated $10 million was donated through online fundraisers. By 2023, despite economic challenges, donations in the US alone reached $3.1 billion, with 35 million people participating.

What makes Giving Tuesday unique is its inclusive nature. It’s not just about monetary donations – people can contribute through volunteering, advocacy, or supporting local businesses that give back to the community. The day has become a global celebration of philanthropy, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.

For nonprofits, Giving Tuesday offers the opportunity to gain visibility, attract new donors, and engage with supporters. It’s a day that reminds people of the joy of helping others and the impact we can make when we come together for a common cause.

People who want to get involved in a Giving Tuesday campaign can check out GivingTuesday.org which has official information and updates. The hashtag #GivingTuesday on various social media platforms will also lead to unofficial events and local charities.  

As Giving Tuesday continues to grow, it reminds us of our collective ability to create positive change in the world.

From Lady Gaga to LEGO: Philanthropy’s Bold Push for Mental Health

Philanthropy is emerging as a crucial force in addressing global mental health challenges, stepping in where traditional funding falls short. With an estimated $200 billion gap in government and aid funding, private philanthropists are developing innovative approaches to mental health care while raising awareness and reducing stigma. Notable organizations like the Fondation d’Harcourt and The Carter Center are improving access to care in low and middle-income countries, while the Wellcome Trust has committed £200 million to transform youth mental health understanding and treatment.

High-profile initiatives, including Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Heads Together campaign, are working to destigmatize mental health issues and support youth programs. Organizations such as the Movember Foundation and the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation are targeting specific areas, from men’s mental health to crucial research funding. The Mariwala Health Initiative focuses on marginalized communities in India, demonstrating the global reach of philanthropic efforts.

The impact of mental health on the global economy is substantial. Anxiety and depression alone cost about $1 trillion annually in lost productivity according to the World Health Organization. To meet the need, philanthropic organizations are responding with remarkable agility, supporting innovative solutions that might not receive traditional funding. For example, Kate Spade New York and its Foundation have integrated mental health support into their women’s equality initiatives, demonstrating how mental health can be woven into existing philanthropic priorities.

Collaboration has emerged as a key strategy in philanthropic mental health efforts, with funders increasingly pooling resources and becoming fundraisers themselves. Public-private partnerships, exemplified by the LEGO Foundation’s collaboration with UNICEF and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Play and Heal initiative, are accelerating global mental health investment. While current philanthropic funding remains modest at $74 million – less than 1% of private development assistance for health – these pioneering efforts are creating a foundation for increased future investment and a more stable ecosystem that protects and enhances mental health for everyone, everywhere.

Major League Baseball is Making a Difference

Since 2010, the Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence has recognized the charitable initiatives of Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs. Named after former Commissioner Allan H. Selig, the award honors programs that demonstrate innovation, inclusion, and social responsibility.

For 2024, five MLB clubs have been named finalists, each representing a unique contribution to community betterment:

  • Chicago Cubs: Their Careers As Sports Executives (CASE) program provides free training and career opportunities for high school students interested in the sports industry.
  • Minnesota Twins: Partnering with Special Olympics Minnesota and Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, the Twins’ adaptive youth sports programs foster inclusion and create opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
  • Washington Nationals: With a decade of community initiatives, the Nationals have focused on education, youth development, and social impact in the D.C. area.
  • Kansas City Royals: Their Shut Out the Stigma program, in collaboration with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, raises awareness about mental health, particularly in youth sports, and provides resources for those in need.
  • Atlanta Braves: The Our Promise to Hank initiative promotes equity and access to baseball by increasing minority participation in under-resourced communities.

Fans played a role in the selection process through an online vote, which closed on October 18. The winner will be announced during the MLB Winter Meetings in December.

Win or lose, the 2024 finalists show that baseball is about more than just the game. Whether by creating career pathways, promoting inclusion, or investing in communities, these clubs exemplify how sports can inspire positive change and demonstrate how baseball’s impact extends beyond the field, touching communities across the nation.

Women Take The Lead in Philanthropic Giving

Women are increasingly taking the lead in financial decision-making, and new research suggests they are on the verge of controlling an unprecedented $30 trillion in US wealth over the next decade. This significant shift is transforming the landscape of philanthropy, as women are not only more likely to give than men but also tend to donate more across different income levels and generations. They are also more likely to focus their support on philanthropic efforts that benefit women and girls.

Historical Context

The evolution of women’s involvement in philanthropy mirrors their changing societal roles. Initially, women were confined to informal charitable acts and religious organizations. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, pioneers like Clara Barton and Jane Addams were able to establish influential social service organizations. As women gained economic power, they began creating their own foundations and shaping philanthropic agendas. By the late 20th century, feminist philanthropy emerged, focusing on women’s rights and gender equity.

Contemporary Landscape

Today, women are recognized as major philanthropic leaders, with figures like Melinda French Gates and MacKenzie Scott making substantial contributions. Since 2020, Scott has donated $17 billion to over 2,300 nonprofits globally, with an emphasis on unrestricted donations to frontline leaders. French Gates has now pledged $1 billion to women’s rights groups, addressing the fact that only 2% of charitable giving typically goes to women’s causes.

Women’s philanthropy now often emphasizes collaboration, community involvement, and empathy-driven giving across various causes. This transformation reflects broader societal shifts, including increased female workforce participation and financial independence, enabling women to directly influence philanthropic landscapes more than ever before.

Women are also leading a collective giving movement through “giving circles.” These groups pool donations and democratically decide on recipients. New research shows that between 2017 and 2023, 4,000 giving circles in the U.S. contributed over $3.1 billion to social causes. Women dominate giving circle membership, with 84% of groups reporting over half female participation and 60% being entirely women-led. These circles unite diverse women around shared visions for social change, with members often more likely to volunteer, become civically engaged, and gain a deeper sense of purpose and belonging within their communities.

Impact and Future Outlook

As women’s wealth and influence grow, their collaborative, trust-based approach to philanthropy is set to transform charitable giving, creating a more inclusive and impactful future. A growing list of inspiring, women-led philanthropic initiatives now supports causes ranging from education and healthcare to social justice, environmental protection, and more. Organizations like The Global Fund for Women have wide-reaching impact, while specific causes such as Furnishing Futures — which helps women and children leaving abusive situations — or Arnold Ventures LLC — which focuses on criminal justice reform, education, and healthcare through advocacy and impact investing — offer targeted opportunities for support.

Whether through large-scale organizations or by supporting local charities and volunteering time and skills, individuals can contribute to this evolving landscape. By actively participating in and promoting women-led philanthropy, we can collectively address critical social, environmental, and health issues, while empowering women leaders in the nonprofit sector.

We honor the legacy of trailblazers like Emily Williamson and Morella Kayman by supporting the next generation of women changemakers who are shaping a more equitable and compassionate world.

Global Citizen Festival 2024: Music, Activism, and Action for a Better World

The 12th annual Global Citizen Festival returned to New York City’s Central Park on Saturday, September 28, 2024, drawing a crowd of 60,000 attendees despite rainy weather. This event, held in conjunction with the UN General Assembly, aims to unite world leaders, artists, and activists in the fight against extreme poverty.

This year’s musical lineup was star-studded, featuring performances by Post Malone, Doja Cat, LISA, Jelly Roll, Rauw Alejandro, Benson Boone, and RAYE. Attendees were also treated to a surprise acoustic set by Ed Sheeran and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who performed four of their hits together. The event was hosted by Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman, with special appearances from figures such as Bill Nye “The Science Guy” and UN Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall.

The festival focused on three key pillars: Defeating Poverty, Defending the Planet, and Demanding Equity. Leading up to the event, over 3.4 million actions were taken by Global Citizens, resulting in $1 billion commitments from organizations, world leaders, and corporations dedicated to addressing these critical issues. The festival also made significant strides in sustainability, with the stage powered entirely by a SmartGrid battery system, a notable step toward reducing the event’s carbon footprint.

Aiming to mobilize the next generation, organizers offered free entry via their mobile app in exchange for volunteer work or signing petitions, making participation more accessible to young people. A standout moment of the night was Doja Cat’s passionate speech on global injustices, urging attendees to continue using their voices for change. She stressed that everyone has the ability to bring “change, love, light, and hope to those who need it most.”

The Global Citizen Festival continues to be a powerful platform for raising awareness and driving action on critical global issues, blending the universal appeal of music with the urgency of social and environmental change.

Atlanta Dragon Con Raises $210K for Charity

Dragon Con, Atlanta’s renowned pop culture and sci-fi convention, just concluded with 72,000 attendees gathering from across the U.S. and around the world. While the event is known for its celebration of fantasy, gaming, and pop culture, it also continuously makes a significant impact through charitable giving.

This year, Dragon Con raised over $210,000 for the Georgia chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, its official charity for 2024. The Foundation, which is marking 75 years of fighting arthritis, works to support the nearly 60 million adults and 300,000 children affected by this leading cause of disability in the U.S. Over the past decade, Dragon Con has raised more than $1.3 million for various charities through its annual fundraising efforts.

In addition to monetary donations, nearly 4,000 attendees participated in the convention’s Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive. These donations will benefit over 25 hospitals in Atlanta and 100 across the Southeast, helping to save countless lives.

As one of the city’s largest annual events, Dragon Con also boosts the local economy, contributing an estimated $80 million. Organizers have already announced next year’s dates, with the convention set to return from August 28 to September 1, 2025.