Thousands of LA County non-profits in affected and at-risk areas would represent an estimated $9.5B disruption of services and resources 

LOS ANGELES, CA – As wildfires continue to affect Los Angeles County, their impact extends beyond homes and businesses to the nonprofit organizations that serve as vital lifelines for communities in need. New research from the Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM) highlights significant potential impacts on nonprofits in wildfire-affected areas, with potential disruptions to services and $9.5 billion in economic activity and service resources across Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and the greater Los Angeles region. Financial health has been a prevalent issue for Southern California non-profits with skyrocketing operational costs being the biggest concern for these organizations according to a survey from the Center of Nonprofit Management in October 2024.

This research found that over 10% of all nonprofits in Los Angeles County are located in ZIP codes that have been partially burned or placed under evacuation orders or warnings, putting critical safety-net services and community support at risk. In total, 4,195 nonprofits are in wildfire-affected areas, with 1,790 located within the fire perimeter and 2,405 in at-risk areas under evacuation orders or warnings. 

These organizations provide essential support—ranging from food assistance and housing aid to healthcare and disaster relief—but many now face operational disruptions, financial strain, and uncertainty about their future. Ensuring they are able to resume business operations and have the resources to continue serving impacted communities is vital for both immediate relief and long-term recovery. 

The Palisades Fire has impacted 2,200 nonprofits, putting $5.9 billion in assets at risk. The Eaton Fire has affected 1,507 nonprofits, with an estimated $3.0 billion in nonprofit assets at risk. The Hurst Fire has impacted 488 nonprofits, threatening $0.6 billion in assets. In total, across all wildfires, 4,195 nonprofits have been affected, with $9.5 billion in nonprofit assets potentially disrupted or lost.

“The impact of these wildfires extends beyond physical damage—it affects the ability of nonprofits to continue providing essential services in housing, food security, education, health care, and disaster relief,” said Efrain Escobedo, President and CEO at the Center for Nonprofit Management. “By understanding these challenges, we can work collectively to ensure these essential organizations receive the resources they need to recover and affected communities can continue to count on the safety-net and social impact essential to supporting resilient and thriving communities. .”

CNM’s findings also highlight that nonprofit density is significantly higher in affected areas—55% higher than in non-affected ZIP codes—underscoring the disproportionate impact on organizations serving vulnerable communities.

As recovery efforts continue, it is critical that nonprofits receive the necessary support to rebuild and sustain their services. Ensuring an equitable and community-driven response will not only help restore operations but also strengthen the resilience of the organizations that serve as lifelines for Los Angeles County’s most vulnerable communities.

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT: 

The Center for Nonprofit Management exists to support a thriving social impact sector through research, convening, engagement, technical assistance, training, and advocacy. We envision a thriving social impact sector that is recognized as a critical pillar of a caring and inclusive regional economy in Southern California.  For 47 years we have served as a trusted partner to Southern California’s nonprofit leaders and organizations.