FireAid have released a statement disputing “misinformation” on fund distribution, following reports that money wasn’t going directly to victims.
- READ MORE: LA music community tell us about “tragic” impact of wildfires: “This will be felt for years”
In January, FireAid hosted two concurrent benefit concerts at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome and Kia Forum to raise funds for victims of the devastating wildfires earlier this year.
Over 50 million people viewed the live stream, which saw performances from the likes of Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, Katy Perry, Joni Mitchell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting, Stevie Nicks, Gracie Abrams, Green Day, No Doubt, Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Wonder, The Black Crowes, Anderson .Paak and Alanis Morissette.
According to the official FireAid organisation’s website, the concerts raised a estimate of more than $100million through ticket and merchandise sales, sponsorships and donations from the public.
In February, FireAid reported its first disbursement of funds in the amount of approximately $50 million, and in June, they distributed a further $25million. It’s expected that the remaining $25million will be distributed by the end of 2025.
In recent weeks, however, there has been controversy surrounding the allocation of the funds, with reports emerging that money is going to nonprofits rather than individuals affected by the fires.
Now, organisers have responded, calling these reports “misinformation” and saying they want to give donors and victims a “transparent view into how FireAid is putting their dollars to work.”
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FireAid said the Los Angeles Times has reached out to more than 100 organisations 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.’”
They went on to say that they partnered with area nonprofits that have the ability to directly reach people who in need of food stability and housing.
“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 lists partners who’ve received grants, and the organisation says that they will continue to publish documentation on how funds are reaching people affected by wildfires in the L.A. region.
“While there is much more work to do, the money raised through FireAid is delivering much needed assistance to as many people as possible,” they wrote. See the full statement below.
Among the grantees announced in February for the musicians and artists division are Armory Center for the Arts, LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, LA Commons, LA County Arts & Creative Recovery Fund, MusiCares Foundation, the newly launched Music Health Alliance – Music Industry Mental Health Fund and the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
Ahead of the late-January concerts, Eagles announced a massive $2.5million donation to FireAid.
The concerts also saw the reunion of No Doubt, as well as the surprise Nirvana reunion featuring Joan Jett, Kim Gordon and St. Vincent. Check out footage of the shocking reunion performance here.
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