California Fire Foundation Update: Strengthening Partnerships with a Purpose

As we reflect on the past few months, one thing is clear: the strength of our mission lies in the power of our partnerships. Through every challenge, the California Fire Foundation has stood side by side with firefighters, families, and communities—because when we work together, we make an even greater impact. 

Thanks to your support and the generosity of our partners, we've raised over $20 million for wildfire relief efforts, distributed thousands of SAVE Cards to families in need, and launched the California Fire Foundation Wildfire Disaster Relief & Recovery Grant program to help communities rebuild. We’ve also strengthened relationships across industries—from the PGA Genesis Invitational and major media organizations to local businesses and young community members, all uniting behind our cause. 

Each story in this issue of Fire Lines is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together—whether it's addressing wildfire mitigation and resiliency, providing direct relief to our communities, or ensuring that the legacy of California’s firefighters endures for generations to come.

We are grateful for every individual, business, and organization that has stood with us. Your commitment fuels our work, and with your continued support, we will keep building a future where no firefighter, family, or community faces hardship alone. 

Thank you for being part of this journey. 

Angie Carmignani  
Executive Director, California Fire Foundation 

California Fire Foundation Wildfire Disaster Relief & Recovery Grant

The California Fire Foundation is proud to share the incredible progress we’ve made in supporting communities affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. In just two months, thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have raised over $20 million to aid relief efforts. 

Through our immediate response, we distributed 7,263 SAVE Cards, providing over $1.8 million in direct financial assistance to nearly 23,000 families, including nearly 5,000 children. 

Now, as we turn our focus to long-term recovery with the launch of our California Fire Foundation Wildfire Disaster Relief & Recovery Grant. We are offering funding to support fire departments, firefighter associations, tribal communities, and nonprofits dedicated to rebuilding. Organizations seeking assistance are encouraged to apply today. 

Our work is far from over, but together, we are making a lasting impact on the road to recovery. 

PGA Genesis Invitational: Driving Support for Wildfire Recovery 

The California Fire Foundation was honored to be one of three beneficiaries of the PGA Genesis Invitational, where the golf community rallied to support wildfire recovery efforts. In the debut episode of Chippin’ In, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, Jason Kennedy, and Jimmy Darts hit the course to raise funds for our mission—thanks to their play and FedEx’s generosity, critical funds were donated to support long-term recovery for those impacted by recent wildfires. 

A heartfelt moment came when, with the support of Genesis, a family affected by the LA County wildfires received a brand-new 2025 G70, offering hope and a fresh start. 

We are incredibly proud to work with partners who share our commitment to helping those in need. Thank you to the Genesis Invitational and everyone who chipped in to make a difference! 

Honor the Fallen with a Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin 

Show your support for firefighters and the families of the fallen with a limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin. With your $125 donation to the California Firefighters Memorial, you’ll receive one of these unique coins, honoring past and present members of the fire service. 

The Memorial Challenge Coins are a meaningful symbol of remembrance and solidarity, helping the California Fire Foundation honor the sacrifices of our heroes while raising essential funds to preserve their memory for future generations.

Choose to keep your coin as a lasting tribute or have it placed at the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento’s Capitol Park. Every dollar supports the California Fire Foundation’s Memorial Expansion Project, ensuring the legacy of our fallen heroes lives on for generations.

Secure your coin today and be part of this enduring legacy.

Thank You to Our FCTC Proctors for Their Incredible Support 

As part of our LA County wildfire relief efforts, our Proctor friends, from the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC), went above and beyond, volunteering their time to assist families and victims impacted by the devastating disaster. Typically, FCTC Proctors play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, fairness, and professionalism of the firefighter candidate testing process, helping to shape the future of California’s fire service. Their expertise, commitment, and leadership are vital to FCTC’s mission of preparing the next generation of firefighters.

Your dedication, compassion, and willingness to step up in a time of crisis truly made a difference. On behalf of the California Fire Foundation, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Your efforts embody the spirit of service and solidarity that defines the fire community. Thank you for being there when it mattered most!

Grateful for Unwavering Support from Our Partners Far and Wide 

Throughout the entirety of the LA County wildfires and even today, the California Fire Foundation remains humbled by the incredible support from major organizations that used their platforms to amplify our mission. Volkswagen and Saturday Night Live featured the California Fire Foundation in a national commercial, while the Oscars and Grammy Awards invited their audiences to donate and honored firefighters from the Los Angeles region on stage in front of some of the world’s biggest celebrities and musicians. The Daily Show was instrumental in highlighting our efforts multiple times live on air, helping to raise critical relief funds. 

To all our partners, thank you for standing with us. Your support makes a real difference for those who needed it most. We couldn’t do this without you! 

DID YOU KNOW? The California Firefighter License Plate Program Supports Our Heroes 

Thanks to recent legislation, the iconic California Firefighter license plate, reserved for active and retired firefighters, is now available to the surviving family members of fallen firefighters. For more than twenty years, this meaningful symbol has helped honor California’s fallen heroes, offering firefighters and their loved ones a visible way to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Administered by the California Fire Foundation, the program dedicates $40 from each annual renewal to maintaining the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento’s historic Capitol Park. These contributions ensure the Memorial remains a lasting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of California’s firefighters. 

Community Spotlight: Small Efforts, Huge Impact 

From local businesses like Pasadena Wine Shop to grade school students sending heartfelt messages, the California Fire Foundation has felt the incredible support of our community. A special shoutout to Clare, an inspiring young Angeleno who organized The Everything Stand yard sale to raise funds for our mission. 

These selfless acts, big and small, make a lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who has contributed—your generosity, kindness, and dedication mean the world to us! 

Stay Connected

Don’t miss out. Sign up now to stay connected and informed!  

We’re excited to share Fire Lines, our monthly newsletter designed to keep you connected to the heart of our mission. Each edition will bring uplifting stories of resilience and hope, updates on the critical programs you support, and the latest news about our work to aid wildfire and disaster survivors, firefighters, and their families.   

You’ll also learn about upcoming events, initiatives impacting California, and opportunities to deepen your involvement. This is a chance to see the difference your generosity makes and stay inspired by the lives you help transform.  

If you've enjoyed this newsletter, please click the button to sign up for future editions of Fire Lines. Don’t miss out, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know! 

Thank you for standing with us in support of California’s fire community. 

Warm regards, 
The California Fire Foundation 

Our Mission

The California Fire Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mandate includes an array of survivor assistance projects and community initiatives.