Kiley-Requested Report Provides Transparency on FireAid’s Use of Wildfire Donations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – One year after devastating wildfires across California claimed more than 400 lives and destroyed over 13,000 homes, a new report requested by Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) and issued by the House Judiciary Committee provides transparency regarding how FireAid distributed donations raised for wildfire relief.

FireAid raised millions of dollars through a benefit concert, assuring donors that proceeds would be used to directly support victims of the California wildfires. In the months following the concert, however, questions were raised by the public and the media about whether the funds were being used in a manner consistent with the stated purpose of the event and with donor intent. Congressman Kiley requested this report to provide the transparency donors and affected communities were seeking.

Based on documentation provided by FireAid, the report identifies a number of expenditures that were not clearly aligned with direct wildfire relief. These include funding for voter participation initiatives, podcast programming, environmental projects unrelated to fire recovery, and salaries and bonuses for staff at various nonprofit organizations.

“The purpose of requesting this report was to provide transparency and accountability to the public,” said Rep. Kevin Kiley. “Donors gave generously with the understanding that their contributions would help wildfire victims recover and rebuild. This report helps clarify how the funds were actually used and highlights areas where spending did not align with the concert’s stated purpose or donor expectations.”

Highlights from the report include:

• FireAid funds were used for activities such as voter participation initiatives, podcast programming, fungus-planting projects, and compensation for nonprofit staff, rather than direct wildfire relief.
• $100,000 of FireAid donations went to promote voter participation.

• Approximately $550,000 in donations went to organizations involved in political advocacy.
• At least $250,000 was directed toward programs benefiting undocumented immigrants.
• $100,000 in FireAid donations was paid to podcasters.
• More than $500,000 was used to cover salaries, bonuses, and consultant fees for nonprofit organizations.

Congressman Kiley is also signing onto a bipartisan letter led by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) that requests President Trump to provide California its fair share in federal disaster assistance.

Click here for the full report

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