UNCF LA Wildfire Relief Fund
Providing relief to HBCU Students, Alumni and families impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires
The devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area have left many students and the children of HBCU alumni facing unexpected financial hardships. To support their continued education, UNCF has launched three programs under the UNCF Los Angeles Area Wildfire Relief Fund, offering critical financial assistance to eligible students and alumni.
Who Can Apply?
The UNCF Los Angeles Area Wildfire Relief Fund is available to:
- Undergraduate and graduate students attending HBCUs
- The children of HBCU alumni who have suffered losses due to the wildfires
- Students attending any accredited, four-year college or university whose families have been directly impacted by the wildfires
What Does the Fund Cover?
Eligible recipients may receive financial assistance for:
tuition & fees, housing, books, meals and other essential education-related costs.
When to Apply
Applications are now open! Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis through the 2025 admissions cycle.
Where This Fund Applies
The fund supports students and the children of alumni residing in the impacted areas of Los Angeles and surrounding regions who are enrolled or planning to enroll at an eligible HBCU or other accredited, four-year college or university.
Why This Matters
UNCF is committed to ensuring that students affected by natural disasters receive the financial support necessary to stay on track with their education. By providing emergency aid, UNCF aims to ease the burden on students and families, helping them recover and focus on academic success.
Eligibility Criteria
Program #1: HBCU Undergraduate & Graduate Student Aid
- Student or custodial/contributing parent(s)/guardian(s) lives in the wildfire-impacted area and has suffered a loss.
- No financial need required, but FAFSA completion (2024-25 or 2025-26) is necessary.
- Must be currently enrolled in good academic standing or admitted for fall 2025 enrollment at an accredited UNCF Member Institution or other four-year, accredited HBCU.
Program #2: HBCU Alumni Emergency Aid
- The child of a graduate or a graduate of a UNCF Member Institution or other accredited four-year HBCU.
- Has suffered wildfire-related losses.
- Currently enrolled in good academic standing or admitted for fall 2025 enrollment in a graduate or professional degree program at any accredited college or university.
- Resides in the impacted area and is a custodial/contributing parent/guardian to a current college student in good academic standing or a student admitted for fall 2025 enrollment at any HBCU or four-year accredited college or university.
- FAFSA completion required (2024-25 or 2025-26).
- Priority is given to students attending UNCF Member Institutions or other four-year HBCUs.
Program #3: General Undergraduate & Graduate Student Aid
- Student or custodial/contributing parent(s)/guardian(s) lives in the wildfire-impacted area and has suffered a loss.
- No financial need required, but FAFSA completion (2024-25 or 2025-26) is necessary.
- Must be currently enrolled in good academic standing or admitted for fall 2025 enrollment at any accredited four-year college or university.
Additional Information
- Students with no financial need are still eligible as long as they complete the FAFSA.
- No cap on the amount of financial assistance requested.
- UNCF will provide resources to help students navigate institutional emergency aid programs.
- Any unexpended funds will go to UNCF’s general disaster relief fund.
Apply Now!
The 2024-2025 UNCF LA Wildfire Relief Fund offers financial relief to HBCU students, alumni, and families impacted by the California wildfires. There are two distinct application links based on eligibility:
UNCF LA Wildfire Relief Fund
This program provides assistance to HBCU students, alumni, and the children of alumni who have been affected by the wildfires. It helps alleviate the financial hardships caused by the fires, enabling continued education.
UNCF LA Wildfire Relief Fund (HBCU Alumni Emergency Aid)
Specifically for HBCU alumni who is now currently enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program, this program offers emergency financial aid to support their academic journey while dealing with the aftermath of the wildfires.
Donate to the LA Wildfire Relief Fund
Your donation—no matter the size—will play a vital role in ensuring these students can recover and continue their education. With your generosity, we can provide the stability and support these students need to rebuild their future. Join UNCF in standing with the HBCU community during this time of crisis.