When wildfires hit, philanthropy springs into swift action, as does Philanthropy Colorado.
Philanthropy Colorado connects and coordinates with Colorado community foundations who are leading the philanthropic response in their regions, as well as the Governor’s Office to assist in getting information out to our members and offer other needed support.
Colorado community foundations who are in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) provide community leadership in preparation for wildfire response and recovery in a number of ways that may include developing their disaster preparedness plans and MOUs, organizing voluntary or community organizations active in disaster (VOAD or COAD) networks that coordinate nonprofit efforts within an emergency management jurisdiction, and building local relationships that enable a swift and successful response when it is needed the most.
This process was recently activated by the spate of Colorado wildfires. More specifically, coordination of philanthropic response may include:
Activation or creation of designated emergency/disaster funds and long-term recovery efforts, sometimes in coordination with United Way and Red Cross
Coordinating with federal, state and local responders fighting the wildfire
Supporting temporary shelter and immediate needs for displaced families and animals
Effective exchange of information with FEMA and other relief agencies
Long-term help for residents to rebuild their homes and lives
Continuing support to mitigate burn areas and provide wildland restoration
Another key role for Philanthropy Colorado is to promote lessons learned and promising practices for wildfire response, including a platform for Colorado community foundations to share plans and resources with one another. For example, Colorado community foundations have learned that it is more effective to create a broad disaster or emergency fund, rather than a fund designated for a specific wildfire event. You will see this reflected in the Current Wildfire Update below, showing that Community Foundation of Northern Colorado has established a Northern Colorado Disaster Recovery Fund, rather than a Alexander Mountain Fire Fund. This will provide greater flexibility to meet the diverse needs of residents and community over the long term and alleviates issues that have arisen in previous specific funds about donor intent.
8.8.2024 Wildfire Update
Coloradoan offers a helpful Wildfire and Smoke map
Alexander Mountain Fire
Status: More than 8,000 acres burned, 20+ home and outbuilding structures damaged or destroyed with some evaluations still in effect. 80% contained, not expanding and favorable weather forecast.
Note: A national disaster declaration is not expected to be issued for the Alexander Mountain Fire
Response:
Community Foundation of Northern Colorado has established the Northern Colorado Disaster Recovery Fund
Community Foundation of Northern Colorado is working with community organizations active in disaster, including Larimer County emergency management operations. They will solicit community input related to fund distributions, which will be conducted through local nonprofit organizations.
Quarry Fire
Status: 600 acres burned, no structural damage and all evaluations lifted
Response:
Colorado Gives Foundation has been in contact with emergency management operations and others to determine if a fund was needed. Donations are being accepted through the Colorado Red Cross general emergency fund.
Stone Canyon Fire
Status: More than 1,500 acres burned, north of Lyons, killing one person and destroying at least five buildings. Fully contained and no evacuations in effect.
Response:
Donations for the Stone Canyon Fire can be made by donation form coordinated through the Boulder Office of Disaster Management.
Bucktail Fire (near Nucla, West Montrose County)
Status: Estimated at 3,788 acres, nearly 6 square miles. The fire is 10 percent contained.
No buildings are in danger and no evacuations are in place.
Response: Telluride Foundation is monitoring the situation.