In an unprecedented wave of global generosity, the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe has collected over $250 million to support victims of the recent Los Angeles wildfires, surpassing the total amount raised for all other natural disasters worldwide last year.
The massive fundraising effort has drawn support from more than a million donors across all 50 U.S. states and 160 countries. The funds are being distributed to affected families, businesses, and non-profit organizations providing on-the-ground relief, including Direct Relief, World Central Kitchen, and the Salvation Army.
While private insurers and government agencies traditionally handle most disaster recovery costs, platforms like GoFundMe are playing an increasingly important role as climate-related disasters become more frequent.
However, the success of private fundraising has raised concerns about equity. Research from the University of Washington found that Black and Latino families displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires typically raised thousands less than the overall average on the platform.
To address these disparities, GoFundMe has implemented several measures, including randomizing fundraiser visibility on its website and creating a dedicated Wildfire Relief Fund. Through this fund, the company has distributed 5,500 emergency cash grants, prioritizing underserved communities and those struggling to meet their fundraising goals.
The surge in private donations comes at a time when federal disaster response faces uncertainty. President Trump has recently ordered a review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) operations and has previously supported withholding federal disaster funds from California.
For affected families like Ryan and Endea Marrone, the outpouring of support through GoFundMe has provided crucial assistance. "It was like the worst day in the world," Ryan shared. "And then once [the GoFundMe and messages] started, it was like: 'Oh my gosh, this is so hopeful.' It took away a little bit of the pain."
As Los Angeles begins its long journey to recovery, the record-breaking fundraising campaign demonstrates the power of global solidarity in times of crisis, while also highlighting the growing role of private giving in disaster response.