Wildfire Relief Efforts with 101.5

Tags: forests, fundraising, wildfires

The Dixie Fire was burning to our north causing mass evacuations, destruction, smoky skies and panic. It quickly became the second largest fire in our state’s history. Then, the Caldor Fire ignited to the south of us and the rest of the country started paying attention as Lake Tahoe became surrounded by fires. People were concerned and wanted to help in any way they could. That is when 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio approached us about partnering to help raise money for our neighbors who were directly impacted by these fires. 

Between August 30-September 6, 101.5 used their platform to promote a Wildfire Relief fundraiser that was taking donations through the TTCF Emergency Response Fund. TTCF established the Emergency Response Fund in March of 2020 to respond to local needs related to COVID-19, but it now has evolved to respond to any emergency needs that arise in our community. With each disaster, we will update the donation page to ensure transparency of where the donations will be directed. We work with on-the-ground partners, closest to the crisis, to ensure the funds raised are directed to the highest needs. Using real-time information, an understanding of other fundraising efforts and resources deployed, the TTCF Staff and Board of Directors are committed to strategic, transparent and effective grantmaking. No fees were taken by TTCF during this campaign. 

Thank you to all of the donors who stepped up and helped us raise more than $30,000 for these communities. The funds were split evenly and directed to the El Dorado Community Foundation supporting the Caldor Fire evacuees, and the North Valley Community Foundation supporting victims of the Dixie Fire.

While our entire region continues to respond to this horrific fire season, our role as a Community Foundation is to both tackle immediate needs and develop long-term strategies that will better protect our community from a disaster. After four years of research and convening with experts around the health of our forests, we are proud to have launched a Forest Futures campaign that will benefit our community, our forests and our economy. Please join us on this mission, educate yourself and share the message with others. Learn more.