Foundations Deploy Disaster Grants for Wildfire Readiness and Response

Oregon Community Foundation and partners in the Oregon Disaster Funders Network approve more than $1 million in grants as fire season enters most dangerous months

As Oregon's 2026 wildfire season intensifies toward near-record levels — with more than 60 fires burning across the state and the season's most dangerous months still ahead — a coalition of philanthropic organizations is giving rapid response grants to nonprofits and local fire agencies. 

Oregon Community Foundation has now approved 24 grants for a total of $307,800. The Oregon Disaster Funders Network confirms other foundation partners have also approved more than $700,000 in grants since June 30, for a total of more than $1 million and growing. Corporate partner Les Schwab Tire Centers continues to process applications from fire agencies for $100,000 in tires donated from its Tires for Purpose program. 

Wildland Firefighters on the Shingle Fire in Wheeler County. Photo via Oregon State Fire Marshal

Other corporate partners supporting the Disaster Readiness and Response Fund include Columbia Sportwear, Keen and the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative.

Fire season accelerates as funding reaches communities 

Oregon wildfires have burned more than 2 million acres. The National Interagency Fire Center forecasts significant wildfire potential across all of Oregon in August and September. Governor Tina Kotek declared a statewide emergency in June, warning that drought conditions, record-low snowpack and a severe lightning season have created a dangerous combination. 

“The scale and pace of this fire season is a call to action, and Oregon funders have answered,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Every dollar donated to our Disaster Readiness and Response Fund goes directly to the communities, agencies and organizations working on the ground — and they need more.”

Coordinated model speeds disaster giving 

The Oregon Disaster Funders Network is a statewide collaborative that connects funding to communities facing fire, floods and other disasters. Local nonprofits and agencies can submit one grant request for more than 30 funders to consider.  

“What most Oregonians don't see is how much coordination is happening behind the scenes,” said Kristin Kelley Monahan, who coordinates the Oregon Disaster Funders Network. “Foundations across the state are reviewing applications, cutting checks, collaborating with one another and getting resources to communities as fast as they can..” 

Photo via Akawa Butte Fire on Facebook

Oregon Community Foundation plays a unique role in this coalition because it accepts donations through the Disaster Readiness and Response Fund, where anyone can give starting at $25 to get funding quickly to where it's needed most. 

Grants Approved Since June 30, 2026

The following grants have been approved from OCF's Disaster Readiness and Response Fund since the coalition's initial announcement:

• Baker Resources Coalition (Baker City) — Support for Summer Work Program: $12,000
• Canyonville South Umpqua Fire District (Canyonville) — New wildland packs: $6,000
• City of Gresham (Gresham) — Gresham Fire Department wildfire readiness: $25,000
• Companion Animal Medical Project (Bend) — Pet food and supplies: $5,000
• Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (Warm Springs) — Water protection system repair and development: $10,000
• Coos County Area Transportation District (Coos Bay) — Office emergency kits for employees: $2,300
• Crane Rangeland Fire Protection Association (Crane) — Emergency response radios and water tank: $10,000
• Crook County Health Department (Prineville) — Emergency response supplies and air purifiers: $1,000
• Gilliam County Soil and Water Conservation District (Condon) — Transportation costs to deliver donated hay: $10,000
• Jackson County Community Long Term Recovery Group (Talent) — Jackson County LTRG – Rogue Valley COAD staffing and operations: $20,000
• Jefferson County (Madras) — Support for Jefferson County Public Health wildfire smoke response: $6,800
• Jefferson Rural Fire Protection District (Jefferson) — Thermal cameras: $13,700
• Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue (Culver) — Emergency response radios and equipment: $15,000
• North Powder Rural Fire Protection District (North Powder) — Purchase of trailer: $15,000
• Oregon State University Extension and Engagement (Corvallis) — Box fan filter kits for smoke safety: $11,000
• South Gilliam County RFPD (Condon) — Emergency response radios and equipment: $15,000
• Spray General Store (John Day) — Support for Wheeler County Search & Rescue team: $10,000
• The Wave Foundation (Portland) — Food and water purchase and delivery: $10,000
• Upstream Access (Beaverton) — Supplies for cooling and heat-related emergency kits: $15,000
• Vale Rangeland Fire Protection Agency (Vale) — Road grader for fire breaks: $25,000
• Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District (Vernonia) — Truck conversion into wildland quick-response vehicle: $25,000
• Walker Range Forest Protection Association (Crescent) — Upgrades to organization headquarters: $15,000
• Warner Valley Rangeland Fire Protection Association (Adel) — Purchase of bulldozer: $15,000
• Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District (Fossil) — Emergency response radios and equipment: $15,000

Total: $307,800 (24 grants)

Warm Springs, photo via Jefferson County Sheriff's Department

How to Help

Oregon's philanthropic and government partners are urging Oregonians to support wildfire response and recovery. State officials note that financial contributions are the most effective way to help — monetary donations allow disaster response organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, where and when it is needed. If you are an OCF donor, contact your Donor Relations Officer to learn more about how your giving can support disaster preparedness and response across Oregon.

Donate to wildfire response and recovery

• Oregon Community Foundation – Disaster Readiness and Response Fund
• Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD)
• United Way's Pacific Northwest Disaster Recovery Fund
• Wildland Firefighter Foundation

Stay informed and be prepared

Oregon Department of Emergency Management – Wildfire Support Resources
Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery – State of Oregon
OEM Wildfire Dashboard (real-time maps and fire information)
Sign up for emergency alerts
Find volunteer opportunities through Oregon Volunteers in Disasters
People seeking trusted organizations currently involved in wildfire response can also dial 211 or visit 211info.org.

About Oregon Community Foundation

Oregon Community Foundation was founded in 1973 with a mission to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF works to strengthen communities in every county in Oregon through research, grantmaking and scholarships. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit oregoncf.org.

About Oregon Disaster Funders Network

Oregon Disaster Funders Network (ODFN) is a network of PNW grantmakers coordinating across and beyond the philanthropic sector to minimize the economic, social, and environmental impacts of disasters, especially on underserved populations and in disinvested communities. ODFN provides a single entry “starting point” platform for community needs, reaches disaster-impacted communities with resource navigation, and elevates funding requests, opportunities and obstacles to the Network's nearly 40 grantmakers. Learn more at OregonDisasterFundersNetwork.org.