Seven Months Later, CA Wildfire Victims Are Asking 'Where's the FireAid Concert Money?'

At the beginning of 2025, America watched in horror as massive wildfires spread throughout California. Thousands of Golden State residents in the Los Angeles Area lost homes and possessions. As Americans always do, people from all across the nation wanted to jump in and help in any way they could. Many Americans donated money, even if it was only twenty dollars; they wanted to feel like they had done something to help. A big benefit concert was held at the end of January to raise money for fire victims. But now, months later, Californians who still need help are asking, "Where's the money?"

"FireAid raised $100M for LA-fire victims — but many say they haven't been paid. This journalist found out why" - Moneywise #SmartNews https://t.co/Ebs4ylcdxK
— Cathlene Sareli (@cbtuck62) July 18, 2025

In the spirit of large benefit concerts, "FireAid" was put on to raise money to help those affected by the wildfires. It brought out performers like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Jellyroll, whose appearances raised roughly $100 million. That's quite a haul. Sue Pasco is an investigative journalist and Editor of a local news site called "Circling the News," and a fire victim herself. When a reader asked about the distribution of FireAid funds, she decided to find out.

In an interview with the LA Fox11 affiliate, Pasco talked about her effort to get some answers about the money. She first contacted the Annenberg Foundation, which was charged with overseeing the funds raised. Nearly two weeks later, they finally responded and referred her to someone named Chris Wallace, a media spokesman for the wildfire funds. Pasco contacted Wallace and got what had to be a surprising response. Wallace stated that victims do not get money; it goes to nonprofit organizations, which then distribute money. FireAid gave around 120 nonprofits $50 million. If we do that math, and I did, that comes out to a little over $416,000 per organization.

So, who exactly are the nonprofit organizations tasked with giving money to fire victims who need it? According to FireAid's website, there are the expected groups like those assisting senior citizens, emergency animal shelters, and food banks. But there are also a few that might raise some eyebrows. Pasco stated that one organization claimed to help low-income residents of a mobile home park destroyed in the fire. When she asked residents of the park, they had never heard of the organization. Pasco said another other of the nonprofits listed on the website says they "clean preschool bathrooms." While that may very well be a concern in the area, it doesn't seem like it should be a priority.

Marla Tellez on Fox, listened as this editor spoke about where the FireAid Funds went--Surprise - it didn't go to the victims. https://t.co/UuWXaXyHTb
— Circling the News (@CirclingN) July 18, 2025

Now, months later, FireAid is on the second round of funding that will be distributed, and the vetting process for nonprofits to receive those funds is disturbingly easy. The process consists of nonprofits filling out a six-question survey. When asked what she thought about the vetting process, Pasco said bluntly,

"I think they're not helping the victims at all. Let's just say, and the other thing you should know, if you go on there, they don't say how much each individual nonprofit gets."

ALSO READ: California Democrats Are Using Wildfires As Cover for a Land Grab

She also mentions two LA-area homeless shelters receiving FireAid money. However, these shelters already receive money from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). She added, "So why are these nonprofits also getting money from FireAid? I don't know." Fox 11 anchor Marla Tellez says they have "reached out to (California) Attorney General Rob Bonta to see if this is on his radar." Sue Pasco said she hopes to "bring this to the attention of America," and added that she believes that the nonprofits, "many of whom have executives that are getting a six-figure salary," are making money on the backs of fire victims.

Finally, a journalist practicing actual journalism. To follow Sue Pasco's work regarding money for wildfire victims, go to circlingthenews.com.

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