Funding what comes next: Equitable recovery after record-breaking wildfires

The 2026 wildfire season is breaking records, devastating communities across North America. In Washington, the Spokane Complex Fires have forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate and destroyed hundreds of homes and other structures, making this one of the state’s most destructive wildfire events. 

In Oregon, wildfires continue to expand with more than 2.4 million acres burned. The scale of the devastation—and its impact on densely populated communities—highlights the growing scope and complexity of wildfire impacts. 

Yet, history shows that the greatest challenges often begin when fires are extinguished, when communities face years of recovery, and those with the fewest resources encounter the greatest obstacles to rebuilding. 

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy hosted a crisis briefing examining how philanthropy can support equitable, locally-led recovery following the 2026 wildfire season. Drawing on lessons from previous wildfires and insights from the current response, speakers explored emerging community needs and impacts that can persist long after the flames are extinguished, including housing instability, health and environmental concerns, economic disruption, and challenges that can deepen existing inequities. 

Panelists discussed the different ways funders can approach wildfire funding to help rural and Indigenous communities recover and build resilience for what comes next.  

CDP’s Sarah Lackritz, Vice President of Brand and Storytelling, moderated the conversation with the following panelists: 

• Carlene Anders, Executive Director of the Okanogan County Long Term Recovery Group (OCLTRG) and Executive Director of the Disaster Leadership Team (DLT)
• Karol Collymore, Senior Director, Sport & Society, Social & Community Impact at Nike, Inc.
• Cari Cullen, CDP’s Program Officer, Domestic Funds

Promotional support for this webinar was provided by: Alliance Magazine, Philanthropy Northwest, The Funders Network, Giving Compass and National Voluntary Organization Active in Disaster.

Please see the slide deck and watch the webinar recording to learn more:  

Resources mentioned during the webinar

Photo: Fires sweep through Portland forests, 2018. (Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash)