Region rallies to raise $1.55 million for wildfire relief

In just one day, community members, businesses and organizations across the region raised $1.55 million to support those impacted by the ongoing Spokane Complex wildfires.

The Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund was established at Innovia Foundation on Sunday.

"Our community is facing an incredibly difficult moment right now, with hundreds of families losing their homes and businesses to these fires," said Shelly O'Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. "The Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund exists so we can move resources quickly to the nonprofits and organizations already on the ground helping people."

Innovia, the community foundation for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, will work closely with community partners to get funding where it is most needed for immediate and long-term needs. Grants will be distributed to nonprofit organizations providing assistance and financial support to individuals and families impacted by the fires.

Nonprofit organizations needing assistance to respond to immediate needs in a community affected by the Spokane Complex wildfires are invited to apply for funding at goinnovia.org/spokane-complex-wildfire-grant.

Donations to the Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund can be made by visiting goinnovia.org/spokane-complex-wildfire or by mailing a check payable to Innovia Foundation with Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund in the memo. Checks should be mailed to Innovia Foundation, 818 W. Riverside Ave., Suite 650, Spokane WA 99201. More information about the fund and Innovia's wildfire response efforts are available at innovia.org/wildfire-response.

"We know from experience that recovery doesn't end when the fires are out — it takes sustained support over the months and even years ahead, and Innovia is committed to walking alongside our region for the long term," O'Quinn said.