The L.A. Strong: Disaster Response Fund has raised more than $2.26 million to support community college students and educators affected by recent disasters, including the Eaton and Palisades fires.

The foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges launched L.A. Strong less than 48 hours after the Eaton and Palisades fires began to provide immediate support to LACCD students and employees while preparing for long-term recovery.

Individual donors and partners include the Ballmer Group, ECMC Foundation, California Community Foundation, College Futures Foundation, Chegg.com Impact Fund at Tides Foundation, Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Cal Wellness and the Michelson 20MM Foundation.

“The outpouring of generosity from our community has been truly inspiring. Funds are providing critical relief to our students and employees who have lost so much, helping them regain stability and continue their educational and professional journeys,” LACCD interim chancellor Dr. Alberto J. Román said.

The foundation will distribute grants to impacted individuals and regional partner foundations. More than $140,000 has already been provided to directly assist 63 students and 40 employees in the LACCD who have lost housing or are facing other hardships due to the fires. Direct payments to affected students and employees began mid-January and continue daily, with the number served expected to increase in the weeks ahead as outreach continues and the spring term begins.

“Our students and employees are facing immense challenges in the wake of the Palisades and Eaton disasters, but the strength of our community is evident in this incredible response,” LACCD Board of Trustees president Kelsey Iino said.

L.A. Strong is the only locally vetted fund for community college students and employees recognized by Philanthropy CA as a trusted and impactful giving opportunity. The fund offers multiple ways to donate and provide support. Donors can direct contributions to students or staff and faculty, or may split gifts to benefit both groups. For information on donation, visit fundlacolleges.org/fire. To apply for relief, visit app.bybeam.co/fundlacolleges/identity/signin.