The Borel Fire as seen from Bodfish July 26, 2024. Photo by Patrick Ray
Bakersfield, CA — August 26, 2024: Kern Community Foundation, in collaboration with 23ABC and the Scripps Howard Fund, has raised over $10,000 to support those impacted by the Borel Fire. With matching funds provided by the Foundation, these resources will enable Be Finally Free, Inc. to deliver essential aid, including gift cards and temporary housing assistance, to affected individuals.
Kern Community Foundation has learned through Give Big Kern how powerful matches are for fundraising. Matching partnerships double the impact of community support. By working with local partners like 23 ABC, we pool resources and double our efforts. Matching funds amplify contributions from the community and double our giving.
“We know from Give Big Kern that partnerships and matching funds make a significant difference,” said Aaron Falk, President & CEO of Kern Community Foundation. “By collaborating with community partners like 23ABC, we can provide more support to victims of the Borel Fire.”
Be Finally Free, Inc. has deep experience supporting people in crisis. They will use these funds to offer immediate relief to fire victims in the Kern River Valley and is expanding its footprint in the area to assist more residents in need. Kern Community Foundation and its partners have given $24,650 in direct relief and recovery for the Borel Fire. Kern Community Foundation remains committed to supporting the community through the recovery process following the Borel Fire.
How to Help:
Individuals, organizations and businesses are encouraged to contribute to the Borel Fire Relief Fund CLICK HERE. The Foundation will work with nonprofit and government stakeholders, establishing safeguards to secure proper distribution of the funds, which will be used for long term relief: resettlement, rebuilding, and infrastructure within the affected area. Nonprofits may request funding from the Borel Fire Relief Fund by filling out the Assistance Request Form through our online grant portal.
To learn more about the Borel Fire Relief Fund, contact Kern Community Foundation at 661.325.5346 or [email protected]. Donations can be made at kernfoundation.org/borel.
About Kern Community Foundation
Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission: “Growing Community. Growing Philanthropy.” For more than two decades, the Foundation has been in business to serve as a charitable resource for local donors and corporations, and to generate capital that provides philanthropic solutions to help make Kern County a better place to live, work, and visit. Since its establishment in 1999, we have been home to almost 200 charitable funds, with assets over $40 million. We have awarded close to $30 million in grants and scholarships. For more information about Kern Community Foundation visit kernfoundation.org.
