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This briefing aims to bring together philanthropists, community leaders, and business professionals for a vital discussion on how investments can be made in times of crisis to promote equitable response strategies and ensure the preservation and restoration of essential community institutions. Panelists will discuss philanthropic action to address the impacts of the wildfires in Southern California and changes to the policy landscape.
Since Jan. 7, Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the U.S., has been burning. Entire neighborhoods have been decimated, and Altadena, a community in L.A. County with a rich history of Black homeownership, has seen massive destruction. New fires continue destroying homes and businesses, causing families to flee and leaving loss in their wake.
Fostering resilience and driving equitable change has never been more critical or philanthropy. As a grantmaker, there are many priorities to juggle in support of equitably mobilizing resources. How are you and your organization thinking about and approaching the challenges facing northern California communities? As these communities experience profound impacts of systemic inequities, the climate crisis, housing shortages, and threats to democracy, it is imperitive NCG’s member community collaborate for collective change.
Philanthropy plays a vital role in a healthy democracy when it actively supports freedom of expression, dissent, and the right to organize for change. For decades, philanthropic institutions have provided crucial resources to organizations and coalitions fighting for justice and equity. This support is essential for a thriving democracy where diverse voices can be heard and contribute to transformative change.
We know firsthand that philanthropy can be tempted to suppress voices of protest and dissent, especially during times of crisis such as recent global events.
Large-scale civic infrastructure projects implemented during urban renewal caused generational harm to communities of color. Now cities have the chance to reimagine their neighborhoods and repair this harm with equitable, resident-led comprehensive community development strategies. When these projects come up, longtime residents and the communities who suffered most from past projects must be at the forefront leading the vision for their neighborhoods, grounded in racial equity.
In the last week, a series of devastating wildfires associated with an extreme wind event swept through Southern California, prompting swift action from local, state, and federal authorities. Thousands of structures have been affected, over 200,000 residents have been displaced, and at least 24 civilians have lost their lives. Government officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, issued emergency declarations as the fires intensified, allowing for the rapid deployment of resources to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure. These declarations were followed by a major presidential disaster declaration, signed by President Biden within days of the fires' peak intensity.
As California faces threats from federal budget and policy proposals amid an anticipated flat (no-growth) budget for its 2025 – 2026 fiscal year, strategic choices grounded in values of racial and economic equity are needed to ensure that all residents can thrive. The state’s budget process holds the key to determining which policies will create a more equitable California, and philanthropy has an important opportunity to influence these outcomes over the course of the state’s budget cycle from January to June.