Over $8 Million in Grants Awarded to Support Community Healing in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires approaches, a significant boost for community healing comes in the form of more than $8 million in grants awarded by the California Community Foundation (CCF) along with a coalition of funders. This initiative aims to address the lingering impacts of these fires, which have left numerous survivors grappling with trauma and loss.
Community Healing and Restoration Initiative
The funds will back over 60 local programs designed to foster healing and strengthen community bonds through various activities. The Community Healing and Restoration Initiative, supported by the CCF Wildfire Recovery Fund, aims to create culturally affirming pathways for reconnection in affected neighborhoods.
Key Activities Funded
The initiatives funded by the grants include:
- Community Gatherings: Encouraging social interactions and support among survivors.
- Local Music and Storytelling Events: Providing platforms for voices of the community to be heard and celebrated.
- Creative Workshops: Engaging residents through painting, collage, pottery, and other artistic endeavors aimed at emotional expression.
- Photography and Oral History Projects: Documenting survivor stories to preserve their experiences and foster communal understanding.
- Family Wellness Gatherings: Offering safe spaces where families can access emotional support.
These programs are centered around peer-driven, neighborhood-led efforts, encouraging survivors to take the lead in their healing journey.
A Collaborative Approach to Recovery
The funding is a collaborative effort involving several organizations, including:
- Pasadena Community Foundation
- UniHealth Foundation
- The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
- New Balance Foundation
“Many survivors continue to carry the heavy weight of loss and trauma—this time can reopen deep wounds but also reminds us of the healing power found in coming together,” stated Miguel A. Santana, President and CEO of CCF. This sentiment echoes through the support offered by 48,000 donors, enabling CCF to contribute over $50 million toward urgent recovery needs.
Understanding the Need for Community-Centered Healing
The necessity for community-centered healing is underscored by findings from the CCF’s LA Wildfires Recovery Needs Assessment, which surveyed over 630 organizations. The assessment highlighted ongoing struggles with housing, employment, trauma, financial stress, and social connectedness among survivors. Additionally, a study conducted by the Department of Angels indicated that three in four survivors experienced worsening mental health since the fires.
Championing Mental Health and Resilience
Experts in the field emphasize the importance of supporting mental health resources in these challenging times. “As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire, many survivors are facing a range of mental and emotional health challenges,” noted Khanh Russo, President and CEO of Pasadena Community Foundation. By funding programs that promote well-being and restore connections, we help communities not just to rebuild, but to thrive.
This initiative exemplifies how philanthropy can coordinate support for communities, removing barriers to ensure timely, effective aid. By actively listening to the needs of survivors and fostering locally led efforts, the process of recovery becomes rooted in connection, compassion, and collective strength.
For a complete list of the grantee organizations funded through this initiative, click here.
About the California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation has been committed to enhancing the quality of life for Los Angeles County since 1915. Managing over $2.3 billion in assets, CCF focuses on systemic change to foster thriving communities.
For more details, visit their official website and explore how they are addressing community needs.
