Fundraising Ideas     |     26 February 2025

13 Fundraiser Ideas to Support LA Wildfire Relief

Creative ways to raise funds and help communities recover after the LA wildfires

20 minute read

The recent LA wildfires have left entire neighborhoods in ruins, forcing families to evacuate and leaving thousands wondering how to start over. The fires moved fast, fueled by relentless winds and dry conditions, consuming homes, businesses, and landmarks. Recovery will take time, resources, and a lot of community support.

When disasters like this strike, people want to help but aren’t always sure where to start. Whether you’re an individual looking to make an impact or part of a group organizing an event, fundraising can provide direct relief to those affected. Financial contributions make a real difference, from immediate aid like food and shelter to long-term rebuilding efforts.

If you’re looking for ways to support LA wildfire relief, you’re in the right place. We’ll explain why fundraising matters, how to set up a successful event, and creative ideas to raise money for the LA wildfire victims.

Why fundraising is essential for natural disaster relief

The financial impact of wildfires is staggering. Early estimates suggest insured losses could surpass $20 billion, with total economic damage potentially reaching $50 billion. But even with insurance payouts and federal aid, many people won’t get the help they need.

The financial gap after disasters

Government aid exists, but it doesn’t cover everything. FEMA assistance can help with temporary housing and necessities, but it’s rarely enough to rebuild a home or replace everything lost. Insurance also has limits: Some policies don’t cover wildfire damage, and even when they do, deductibles and coverage caps leave gaps.

That’s where fundraisers for natural disasters come in. Money raised through local and online efforts can provide immediate support, helping families replace essentials, cover unexpected costs, or find long-term housing solutions. Organizations working on the ground, like the Red Cross and Direct Relief, rely on donations to provide food, medical care, and emergency shelter.

Supporting relief efforts on the ground

While large organizations play a key role, local charities and community groups often have the biggest impact on rebuilding efforts. They know the needs of displaced families and can provide targeted assistance. Fundraisers allow people to contribute directly to groups making a real difference, whether it’s a food bank feeding evacuees, an animal rescue shelter caring for lost pets, or a nonprofit helping families rebuild their homes.

Fundraising goes beyond collecting money. It helps bring people together, create awareness, and build long-term support for those affected.

How to set up a successful fundraiser for LA wildfire relief

Before jumping into ideas, setting a solid foundation for your fundraiser is important. A well-planned event will raise more money, reach more people, and make a bigger impact. Here’s how to get started.

1. Define your goals and choose a cause

Be specific about what you want to accomplish. Are you raising money for a local family, a community rebuilding project, or a well-known disaster relief organization? People are more likely to donate when they know exactly where their money goes.

Research how they use their funds if you donate to an organization. Groups like World Central Kitchen provide meals for evacuees, while the California Fire Foundation offers financial support to fire victims. Pick a group that aligns with your mission.

2. Choose the right fundraiser

Not all fundraisers work for every audience. Consider what would resonate most with your community as well as your resources, your connections, and what would encourage participation most.

• A silent auction featuring donated goods from local businesses
• A charity concert with local musicians
• A fitness challenge like a 5K or cycling event
• A restaurant give-back night where a portion of sales go to relief efforts

3. Get the word out

Promotion is key. Use social media, email, and local media to spread the word about your event. If you’re running an online fundraiser, create a shareable donation link. Partner with influencers or local businesses to expand your reach.

• Post regular updates and behind-the-scenes content to build excitement.
• Share survivor stories to connect people emotionally to the cause.
• Encourage participants to tag friends and challenge others to donate.

A well-promoted fundraiser raises more money and spreads awareness about wildfire relief efforts.

13 fundraiser ideas to support LA wildfire relief

1. Online silent auction with local business donations

A silent auction is a great way to raise money while allowing people to bid on unique items. The best part? You don’t need a huge budget to make it happen, just support from local businesses and an easy-to-use auction platform.

Start by requesting and collecting donated items and services from businesses, artists, and community members. Popular auction items include gift baskets, dining experiences, concert tickets, and signed memorabilia. Experiences, like a private chef dinner or a behind-the-scenes tour, also tend to attract high bids.

Once you have your items, list them on an online auction platform that allows people to browse and place bids from their phones or computers. Silent auction software, like Silent Auction Pro, can handle everything from listing items to processing payments.

2. Benefit concert or community performance

Music brings people together, and a benefit concert is an exciting way to raise funds while providing entertainment. Whether it’s a local band, a school choir, or a lineup of performers, a concert can attract a broad audience and generate significant donations.

Start by contacting musicians, spoken word artists, or even comedians interested in performing for a good cause. Many artists are happy to participate in charity events, especially when they support their own community.

For in-person events, look for a local venue willing to donate space. That could be a community center, a coffee shop, or an outdoor park. If space is limited or an in-person event isn’t feasible, consider hosting a virtual concert where attendees can stream performances live and donate online.

Instead of charging a fixed ticket price, consider a “pay what you can” model to encourage donations at different levels. You can also:

• Sell VIP or front-row seating for an extra donation.
• Host a live auction during intermissions for added fundraising.
• Set up a donation QR code so attendees can contribute easily.

3. Restaurant give-back nights

A restaurant fundraiser allows people to enjoy a meal while supporting a cause, making it one of the easiest and most effective ways to raise money. Many restaurants are willing to donate a percentage of their sales for a specific night to help with wildfire relief.

Find a restaurant, café, or food truck willing to participate. National chains like Chipotle, Panda Express, and Blaze Pizza have established programs but don’t overlook local spots. Many independently owned restaurants are happy to get involved, especially when it benefits their community.

Once a restaurant is on board, choose a date and promote it heavily. Encourage people to dine in, take out, or order delivery, as most restaurants count all sales toward the fundraiser.

4. Charity fitness challenge

A fitness challenge is a high-energy way to raise money while promoting health and wellness. Whether it’s a 5K, a cycling event, or a virtual step challenge, people love getting involved in events that push them to be active for a cause.

Pick an activity that’s accessible to a broad audience. A fun run or walkathon is a great choice because people of all ages and fitness levels can participate. For a virtual event, a 30-day step or plank challenge can be just as effective: people can join from anywhere while tracking their progress online.

Raising funds through sponsorships and entry fees

• Charge an entry fee and encourage participants to seek sponsorships from friends, family, and coworkers.
• Offer custom event shirts or medals as part of registration to incentivize sign-ups.
• Partner with local gyms or fitness studios to sponsor the event in exchange for promotion.Fitness apps like Strava or MyFitnessPal can help participants track their progress and stay engaged throughout the event.

5. Crowdfunding campaign with a personal story

Crowdfunding is one of the most effective ways to raise money quickly, especially when a compelling personal story is behind it. 

People donate when they feel a personal connection. Instead of stating that funds will go toward LA wildfire relief, share the story of someone directly impacted, like a displaced family, a firefighter who lost their home, or a community organization struggling to provide aid.

To keep donors engaged, offer small incentives, like a thank-you shoutout on social media, a handwritten letter from someone the donation helped, or an exclusive digital badge showing their support.

6. Themed merchandise sales

Selling custom merchandise is a great way to raise money while giving supporters something tangible to represent their contribution.

T-shirts, hats, tote bags, and stickers with powerful designs can create awareness while raising funds. Collaborate with local artists to create designs that reflect resilience, community strength, or California pride. Minimalist designs featuring bold typography or wildfire relief symbols tend to sell well.

Online platforms like Bonfire, Printful, and TeeSpring allow you to sell merchandise without handling inventory. They print and ship the items while you focus on promotion. Promote the merchandise through social media, local events, and crowdfunding campaigns to reach the largest audience.

7. Wine and dine fundraising event

A wine tasting, dinner, or cocktail night is a sophisticated and enjoyable way to raise money while bringing people together for a good cause.

Find a local restaurant, winery, or event space willing to host and donate a portion of the night’s proceeds to LA wildfire relief. Some venues may even provide space for free if the event supports a nonprofit.

Options include:

• Wine-tasting events featuring local wineries.
• Charity dinners with a set menu and a portion of ticket sales going to relief efforts.
• Cocktail nights where bartenders craft special-themed drinks for donations.

8. Corporate matching donation drive

Businesses are often looking for ways to give back, and a matching donation campaign is a powerful way to double the impact of individual contributions.

Many companies offer employee matching programs, matching donations dollar-for-dollar up to a certain amount. If a company doesn’t have a program, encourage them to start one specifically for LA wildfire relief.

Make participation easy by:

• Companies can create a custom donation page that they can share internally.
• Providing ready-to-send emails and flyers to encourage employee contributions.
• Publicly recognizing companies that participate to encourage others to join.

9. Virtual game night or trivia competition

A trivia night or online game tournament offers a fun and engaging way to raise money while bringing people together. Whether it’s general trivia, wildfire-themed questions, or California history, a well-planned event can attract a large audience.

Run the event using platforms like Kahoot, Zoom, or Discord. Charge a small entry fee and allow participants to compete solo or in teams.

For added engagement:

• Offer prizes donated by local businesses.
• Include themed rounds (e.g., "Famous California Wildfires" or "LA Landmarks").
• Have a local celebrity or community leader host the event.

Trivia nights are easy to set up, require little upfront cost, and can be conducted online, making them a great option for remote fundraising.

10. Community yard sale or swap meet

A yard sale or swap meet is a simple but effective way to raise money while giving secondhand items a new home. Gathering donations from the community and selling them at a well-organized event can generate funds for LA wildfire relief while bringing neighbors together.

Start by asking friends, family, and local community members to donate gently used items they no longer need: clothing, furniture, electronics, books, and home decor, which are always in demand.

Decide whether to host an in-person sale at a central location like a school parking lot or a virtual swap meet using platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor. Consider partnering with a local business for in-person events to host the sale in their lot.

Consider adding additional fundraising options:

• Set up a bake sale table with coffee and snacks to increase donations.
• Raffle off high-value donated items (gift baskets, cards, etc.).
• To encourage more giving, offer a "name your price" section for miscellaneous items.

11. Art show and auction featuring local artists

An art show and auction allow local artists to showcase their work while raising money for a good cause. A well-organized event can attract high bids and strong community support, whether professional pieces or student artwork.

Reach out to local artists, photographers, and craftspeople to see if they’d be willing to donate a piece for auction. Art schools, community centers, and galleries may also be interested in getting involved.

You can host the show in person at a coffee shop, community center, or gallery or run a virtual art auction through platforms like eBay for Charity or Instagram.

Here are some ways to make it more engaging:

• Include student and amateur artwork to encourage broader participation.
• Have artists do a live painting session and auction off the finished piece.
• Create an interactive element, like a people’s choice award with a small donation to vote.

Pair the event with music, wine, and light refreshments to create a welcoming atmosphere. If hosting online, use live-streaming to introduce artists and showcase pieces before bidding starts.

12. Pay-it-forward coffee or meal program

A pay-it-forward program allows people to directly help those affected by the LA wildfires in a tangible way. Partnering with local cafés and restaurants allows customers to purchase extra meals or drinks that will be set aside for those in need.

Participating businesses can:

• Offer customers an option to buy an extra coffee or meal for a wildfire victim.
• Set up a donation jar or QR code for digital contributions.
• Post a community board where people can “claim” prepaid meals.

For example, a customer at a coffee shop can pay for an extra latte, and someone displaced by the wildfires can come in later and redeem it for free. Some restaurants may prefer to donate in bulk: customers contribute toward a set goal, and when the goal is reached, the restaurant provides meal delivery to an evacuation center.

This is a simple, everyday way for people to contribute while supporting small businesses.

13. Social media fundraising challenges

A social media challenge can help wildfire relief efforts go viral, encouraging donations and spreading awareness quickly. Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? Campaigns like that were hugely popular and made a huge impact. The right concept can reach thousands or even millions of people.

The most successful social media fundraisers involve simple, shareable actions encouraging people to donate and tag others. Some ideas include:

• The “Skip It for Relief” Challenge: Participants give up a small luxury (like their daily coffee or takeout meal) and donate the equivalent cost.
• The “Wildfire Walk” Challenge: People commit to walking, running, or biking a certain distance and ask their followers to pledge donations per mile.
• The “Ash Art” Challenge: Artists create and post wildfire-themed artwork, auctioning it for charity.

Social media challenges keep the conversation going and encourage ongoing support for wildfire victims.

Every effort counts

Raising money for wildfire relief doesn’t just mean big events or massive donations. Even small actions, like a $10 contribution, a single auction bid, or sharing a fundraising campaign, add up when enough people get involved. What matters most is taking that first step.

If you’re unsure where to start, pick one idea that feels doable. Maybe that’s organizing a virtual trivia night, asking a local café to launch a pay-it-forward program, or partnering with artists for an online auction. 

If you’re looking for tools to simplify your fundraiser, platforms like Silent Auction Pro have the features to help manage the details. Having the right support can make the process easier so you can focus on what really matters: bringing people together to help those in need. Request a free demo, or check out our blog for ideas and inspiration to make a difference. 

The road to recovery after a disaster is long, but with the right support, communities can rebuild stronger than before. If you have the time, resources, or creativity to contribute, now is the time to take action.