Photo: Scott Dudelson / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
The Pacific Palisades Community Council is questioning the transparency of funds raised by the FireAid benefit concert, which took place on January 30 at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum. The concert raised over $100 million for Los Angeles County wildfire relief efforts following the January 2025 fires, with some reports suggesting the total could be as high as $800 million. The funds, managed by the Annenberg Foundation and matched by LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, are meant to aid victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Concerns have arisen as residents, including those who lost homes, claim there is little clarity on how much of the money has reached actual fire victims. The Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) has formally requested a detailed accounting of the funds, highlighting the devastating impact of the wildfire on their community. They noted that many residents were uninsured or underinsured, facing difficult choices about rebuilding.
In response, FireAid announced, on June 4th, 2025, the distribution of an additional approximate $25 million, in a second round of grants. FireAid’s first disbursement of LA wildfire recovery funds of approximately $50 million was released in February, bringing the total of funds distributed close to $75 million, to date.
In this second phase, FireAid is shifting focus toward long-term recovery and restoring stability, connection and well-being across entire communities. The new $25 million in grants supports initiatives around financial and housing stability, mental health and trauma services for families and individuals, and community infrastructure. Additional funding will also go toward environmental remediation, soil testing, permitting support, and sustainable rebuilding efforts, while educational support helps students regain a sense of normalcy. Aid for small business and displaced workers strengthens the local economy and supports overall recovery efforts.
As the recovery continues, FireAid’s Grants Advisory Committee—composed of LA based philanthropy experts—is working closely with local organizations, the communities, and the wildfire victims impacted to assess needs as they have evolved since January. The Advisory Committee is using that information to make recommendations to the FireAid Board on how to distribute funds for the greatest impact. Recommended funding allocations are put through a due diligence process to adhere to the guidelines for public charities. Each grant, once approved by the FireAid Board of Directors, is distributed by FireAid's DAF with 100% of the money raised from the FireAid benefit concert going directly to fire relief for impacted communities and wildfire victims.