The San Diego Regional Disaster Fund has resulted in:
$
426000
Raised and granted to support 2017 Lilac Fire recovery and rebuilding
$
10
M+Raised and granted to support 2007 San Diego wildfire survivors
Disaster Relief
As a resource for community members, nonprofit organizations, government entities and donors during and following a disaster, the San Diego Regional Disaster Fund (SDRDF) makes grants to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate impact in disaster response, recovery, rebuilding and preparedness.
December 2017 Wildfires
In 2017, the Lilac Fire burned through the Bonsall and Fallbrook communities of San Diego, seriously injuring two people, destroying 114 homes and damaging over 50 more. Once the fire was fully contained, the impact stretched across 4,100 acres in the region.
In response to the significant devastation and at the request of the County of San Diego, the San Diego Foundation activated the SDRDF to collect and manage donations to help the survivors and their communities with disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts.
In total, more than 200 local companies and individuals generously contributed $426,000 to the Regional Disaster Fund in support of Lilac Fire recovery and rebuilding.
October 2007 Wildfires
The October 2007 wildfires comprised one of the largest natural disasters in California’s history. Combined, the fires scorched more than 575 square miles in San Diego County – destroying more than 1,600 homes and impacting thousands of residents county-wide.
SDRDF responded by commissioning a disaster-wide community needs assessment that included a five-point recovery strategy: Community Infrastructure for Recovery (Community Recovery Teams); Recovering Lives; Rebuilding Homes; Restoring the Environment; and Preparing for Future Wildfire Disasters.
In total, more than $10 million was granted in support of response, recovery, rebuilding, and preparedness efforts related to the 2007 fires. We are extremely grateful to the 2,200+ donors who contributed funds in support of our region’s recovery.
Press Releases
The San Diego Foundation Activates Regional Disaster Fund to Support Valley Wildfire Response and Recovery
Crisis Philanthropy
Helping Lilac Fire Survivors Rebuild Their Lives
Donor Stories
Amid Tragedy, San Diego Philanthropist Bob Wilson Gives $1.1 Million to Help Wildfire Survivors
Press Releases
More Than $300,000 Raised for Lilac Fire Recovery Through The San Diego Foundation Regional Disaster Fund
SDRDF Board
Christopher Kahn, MD, MPH, Chair
Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, UC San Diego
Mark Fisher, CPA (Inactive), Vice Chair
Retired Chief Financial Officer, Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego
Joan Jones, Treasurer
Executive Director, SDRFF
Ken Derrett
Principal, Ken Derrett and Associates
Pradeep Gidwani, MD, MPH
Pediatrician and Community Health Leader
Mark A. Stuart
President & CEO, San Diego Foundation
Kelly Zombro
Deputy Fire Chief, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
Jacob James
Public Affairs Specialist, Dudley & Finch, LLC
Pedro Villegas
External Relations Executive
BGen Paul K. Lebidine
Marine Corps (Retired)
John Valencia
Emergency Management Specialist, US Coast Guard
Terri Sorensen
President, Poway Neighborhood Emergency Corps
