In response to the Borel Fire in the Kern River Valley, Kern Community Foundation has activated the Borel Fire Relief Fund. The fund may receive gifts from individuals, corporations, and private foundations. The Foundation has a history of helping the Kern River Valley community and will be able to deliver monetary assistance efficiently and effectively. First and foremost, the fund will assist communities impacted by the Borel Fire. The fund focuses on assisting in relief and recovery within the affected area.

As of October 2024, Kern Community Foundation and its partners have contributed $51,650 in direct relief and recovery for the Borel Fire.

How to Donate

Credit Card Donations
– Go to Borel Fire Relief Fund (CLICK HERE).
**The Foundation cannot assume credit card fees; donors may mail a check to avoid this.

Check Donations
– Make payable to Kern Community Foundation – Memo: Borel Fire Relief Fund
– Mail to: Kern Community Foundation, 5701 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 110, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Photo by Hopester Inc.

Nonprofits

Nonprofits may request funding from the Borel Fire Relief Fund by filling out the Borel Fire Assistance Request Form through the Foundation’s Online Grant Portal. Applications are open during emergencies, and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.

RecipientAmountDateProject Description
Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County$2,500August 2024To fund gift cards
Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County$3,000August 2024To purchase toys for children
Pregnancy Resource Center of the Kern River Valley$3,000August 2024To fund gift cards
Hopesters Inc.$3,000August 2024To fund gift cards
Be Finally Free Inc.$5,075August 2024To fund gift cards and temporary housing assistance
Equine Rescue Outakuntrol$3,000August 2024To support the care of animals
American Red Cross – Kern County & Eastern Sierra Chapter$3,000August 2024To provide emergency supplies
Breckenridge K9 Border Collie Rescue$3,000September 2024To fund gift cards
Tehachapi Valley Horse Rescue$3,000September 2024To transport hay to set up hay bank
Kern River Conservancy$8,000September 2024To prepare residents for the winter season
United Way of Central Eastern California$10,000October 2024To assist families displaced by the Borel Fire

FAQs

For more information, who should I contact?
To learn more about the Borel Fire Relief Fund, contact Kern Community Foundation at 661.325.5346 or info@kernfoundation.org.

How will the money be used?
The Foundation will work with nonprofit and government stakeholders, establishing safeguards to secure the proper distribution of the funds, which will be used for long-term relief and recovery.

How can nonprofits receive funds to provide fire relief services?
Nonprofits may request funding from the Community Disaster Relief Fund by filling out the Assistance Request Form through the Foundation’s Online Grant Portal. (CLICK HERE to access the grant portal.)

What about fees?
100% of funds donated by individuals and families for the Borel Fire Relief Fund will go directly to provide assistance and fund recovery efforts, excluding credit card transaction fees.