FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 6, 2017
Contact:
Joyce Sood Digital Communications Officer
415-356-9917
jsood@irvine.org

The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors approved two grants totaling $1 million towards relief and rebuilding efforts in Northern California after the devastating wildfires in October. The grants will focus on support for low-income and immigrant families impacted in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Lake counties.

The wildfires caused $3 billion in insured losses, took more than 40 lives, and destroyed nearly 15,000 homes. Many of the displaced residents include immigrant families who work in agriculture, tourism and hospitality – industries impacted greatly by the wildfires.

“Throughout our history, the Irvine Foundation has provided emergency support when circumstances call for it,” said Irvine President and CEO Don Howard. “This is certainly such a time. We’re privileged to be able to contribute funding to two critical efforts that are helping low-wage Californians regain their homes and rebuild their livelihoods.”

The two board-approved grants include:

Tipping Point Emergency Relief Fund

A $250,000 grant to address immediate relief and medium- and long-term recovery efforts for low-income communities. As of December 4, this large, pooled fund has raised over $23 million for distribution primarily through local community foundations, service providers, and government partners.

NorCal Wildfire Relief Fund

A $750,00 grant for medium-and long-term rebuilding efforts for Latino immigrant families and farmworker communities. Sponsored by the Latino Community Foundation, this fund supports Latino-led nonprofits, including the North Bay Organizing Project in Santa Rosa, La Luz Center in Sonoma, and UpValley Family Centers in Calistoga.

About The James Irvine Foundation
The James Irvine Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation dedicated to expanding opportunity for the people of California. The Foundation’s grantmaking focuses on expanding economic and political opportunity for families and young adults who are working but struggling with poverty. Since 1937 the Foundation has provided over $1.6 billion in grants to more than 3,600 nonprofit organizations throughout California. With about $2 billion in assets, the Foundation will make grants of $90 million in 2017. For more information, please visit our website: www.irvine.org.