$15 million donated to wildfire relief and recovery from Steve and Connie Ballmer who have given away more than $4 billion in philanthropic gifts
Ballmer Group, the philanthropic organization founded by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie, has announced a sweeping $15 million emergency relief initiative to support wildfire recovery efforts across Los Angeles County.
This latest commitment comes as communities continue to grapple with the devastating aftermath of the Eaton Fire and other recent wildfires that have severely impacted families, schools, and child care providers.
As part of the relief package, Ballmer Group directed significant funding to organizations on the frontlines of community recovery.
The Pasadena Educational Foundation was awarded $1 million to provide direct relief and recovery assistance for families, students, and school staff affected by wildfires. The grant will support emergency housing, mental health services, and replacement of essential school supplies.
Pasadena City College received $1 million to expand disaster relief programs for its student body and surrounding community.
Funds will help cover emergency tuition assistance, food security programs, and workforce retraining for those whose livelihoods were disrupted by the fires.
Ballmer Group also partnered with the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) and FireAid to provide targeted resources to stabilize and rebuild the operations of child care providers across Los Angeles County whose facilities and businesses were damaged or destroyed.
This latest funding aims to ensure continuity of child care services for working families, especially those in lower-income communities.
The Eaton Fire, which swept through parts of the San Gabriel Valley earlier this summer, displaced hundreds of families and placed enormous strain on local educational and community institutions.
By focusing on both immediate relief and long-term recovery, Ballmer Group’s funding addresses not only urgent needs but also the systemic challenges families face in returning to stability after a disaster.
“We know that disasters like wildfires don’t just destroy property—they destabilize families, disrupt children’s education, and strain community safety nets,” said a Ballmer Group spokesperson in announcing the initiative.
“Our goal is to work alongside trusted local partners to help families recover with dignity and resilience.”
This latest commitment reinforces Ballmer Group’s ongoing focus on strengthening communities and advancing economic mobility.
While the organization has invested heavily in education, workforce development, and anti-poverty initiatives, the $15 million wildfire relief initiative marks one of its largest emergency response efforts in Southern California to date.
Local leaders welcomed the support, noting that the funding will not only meet urgent needs but also help lay a foundation for recovery and preparedness in the years ahead.
To date Steve and Connie Ballmer have given away more than $4 billion in philanthropic gifts. Their giving is managed through the Ballmer Group, which they founded in 2016.