FireAid Releases Statement Disputing ‘Misinformation’ on Distribution of Funds Raised for L.A. Wildfire Relief

FireAid, the all-star benefit concert event put on in January, raised $100 million for Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts. On Saturday (July 26), the team behind the dual shows at L.A.’s Intuit Dome and Kia Forum released a statement in response to “misinformation being shared online” regarding funds distribution.

The long list of performers at FireAid — which was livestreamed, drawing in more than 50 million viewers — included Green Day with Billie Eilish, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Stevie Wonder, Lil Baby, Tate McRae, Sting, Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak with Dr. Dre and Sheila E, Dawes, John Mayer, a Nirvana reunion, Joni Mitchell, a reunited No Doubt, P!nk and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others. Funds were raised from ticket sales at both venues, sponsorships, merchandise sales, donations from the public and private gifts.

In February FireAid reported its first disbursement of funds in the amount of approximately $50 million, and in June the distribution of a second round of grants in the amount of $25 million. It’s expected that the remaining $25 million will be distributed by the end of 2025.

In its statement shared Saturday morning, organizers said, “There has been an increasing amount of misinformation being shared online about the distribution of FireAid funds. We want to address concerns and be certain that Angelenos and the thousands of donors who generously contributed have a transparent view into how FireAid is putting their dollars to work.”

FireAid said the Los Angeles Times has reached out to more than 100 organizations that received funds to review the grants received and how the money was used, noting the publication “determined ‘FireAid was an urgent lifeline in the worst of the disaster and beyond.’”

The $100 million raised helped survivors of the L.A. wildfires recover and rebuild, said FireAid, who reported partnering with area nonprofits that have the ability to directly reach people who found themselves in need of food stability, housing and more.

“Each recipient is required to report on fund usage to ensure full transparency and impact,” said Saturday’s statement. “The year-end results, which are due in December 2025, will be audited by FireAid’s auditor, KPMG.”

The FireAid website has a list of partners who’ve received grants — available at fireaidla.org/grants — and will continue to publish documentation of how funds are reaching people affected by L.A.’s wildfires.

“While there is much more work to do, the money raised through FireAid is delivering much needed assistance to as many people as possible,” said the note released on Saturday.

See the full statement below.