In a popular post on social media, a conservative influencer returned to the fundraising efforts for the devastating California wildfires, which devastated the state and caused billions of dollars in damage. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, prominent celebrities came together to host a benefit concert, promising that 100% of the proceeds would go to the victims; however, this did not materialize, prompting calls for a DOJ investigation.
For context, the $100 million dollars raised for relief went to highly political left-wing NGO’s such as the NAACP. Instead of benefiting victims, the money went to cushy salaries and nebulous causes such as “Empowering Native Americans to participate in the democratic process.”
In any case, the initial post to social media, made on July 23, 2025, exposed the alleged graft. The post, which accused the celebrities of letting the $100 million raised go to random non-profits instead of wildfire victims, read, “@JesseBWatters blows the lid off another Hollywood scandal. http://FireAidLA.org was a concert put on by Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, Pink, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Earth, Wind & Fire, and more … to raise money for the Palisades Fire Victims.”
Offering more context, the user noted the noble goals of this concert, saying, “100% of the proceeds were supposed to go to the victims. Instead, the money went to NGOs (Non Profits) which have executives that make 6-figure salaries.”
Wrapping up, the same user wrote, “Zero money went directly to the victims. You could probably guarantee with a very high probability that, at best, perhaps 1 cent on the dollar did any good within the so-called NGOs after paying Executive salaries and overhead expenses. The http://FireAidLA.org money went down the drain just like the USAID money has.”
In a clip from Fox News attached to the post, a local woman expressed her anger with the situation. She revealed, “Basically, they don’t all this money is going to nonprofits, and then nonprofits will take care of making sure the money is distributed. I would urge everyone to just go to the nonprofits that are listed if you want a good laugh.”
Digging into the details, she said, “I mean, one of the nonprofits cleans preschool bathrooms well after the fire. Who knows? Maybe there is a preschool bathroom that needs cleaning. This firing money is not helping the people. It’s helping nonprofits, many of them who have executives who are getting a six-figure salary.”
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In the same segment, a FNC reporter mocked the absurd recipients of the funds raised by FireAidLA.org. The news anchor said, “A lot of the grants went to a laundry list of left-wing nonprofits like the California native vote project. What do they do? Empower Native Americans to participate in the democratic process? Fire aid claims that group was chosen to help Native American families who were displaced by the fires. But the Pacific Palisades only has 16 Native American residents.”
Watch the clip here:
Concluding the absurd list of wasteful NGO, the report noted, “They also sent cash to musicians, $3.3 million went to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, the Music Health Alliance, the Music Industry Mental Health Fund, and the black music Action Coalition. It wasn’t just musicians. Podcasters got paid, too. The Alteneda Talks Foundation got 1000s to report on ‘critical information’ for fire victims.”
The California Globe, making much the same allegations about how the money raised was distributed, noted:
Half of the funds, $50 million, were released during the first round of grants in February, with 120 non-profit organizations getting funds. Some of the beneficiaries are known, with groups like the Pasadena Humane Society receiving $250,000 to treat pets and animals harmed by the fires. In total Investigations by Pascoe, ABC affiliates, and others confirmed that money was received with the groups, with many adding how it was spent.
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Later in 2025 round two of the funding was released, with an additional $25 million going once again to third party non-profits and not individuals. Round 3 funding is currently in the works, with the last of the $25 million to be given away. As of Thursday, applications are still open for groups interested in receiving funds.
Featured image from embedded video