In response to the devastating Palisades and Eaton Wildfires, the American Red Cross has launched the 2025 California Wildfires Long-Term Recovery Operation. This initiative is aimed at helping impacted communities across California recover through focused grant support and strategic project funding.
The recovery strategy emphasizes supporting organizations that provide innovative solutions to individuals, households, and communities affected by the wildfires. Grants will fund projects in four key areas: housing stability, mental health and wellness, support for communities facing recovery barriers, and capacity building for community organizations.
Projects in housing stability may include support for displaced residents, transitional housing programs, and nontraditional housing alternatives. However, the Red Cross will not fund repairs to rental homes, smoke and ash remediation, or full home rebuilds.
In the area of mental health, projects may focus on trauma-informed services, including counseling, youth and family support, and domestic violence prevention. Funding may also support financial literacy, legal aid, services for aging communities, and support for individuals with access and functional needs.
Capacity building grants will help nonprofits strengthen internal systems, expand their networks, hire staff, or invest in technology. Capital expenses will be considered only in limited cases with senior leadership approval.
Eligible organizations must be U.S. nonprofits with at least three years of 501(c)(3) status. A minimum annual operating budget of $250,000 is preferred. All applicants will undergo financial due diligence to assess stability and capacity.
The funding ranges from $150,000 to $1,000,000, with the grant period running from November 3, 2025, to October 31, 2027. Administrative overhead expenses may be included, but only up to three percent of the requested amount. Project budgets that exceed the grant request must include documentation of additional funding sources.
The deadline to apply is July 23, 2025. This grant offers a significant opportunity for nonprofits to make a long-term impact on California’s wildfire-affected communities.
For more information, visit ARC.
