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 August 2025, Kern Community Foundation and its partners have contributed $185,143 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
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.
| Recipient | Amount | Date | Project Description |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County | $2,500 | Aug. 2024 | To fund gift cards |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County | $3,000 | Aug. 2024 | To purchase toys for children |
| Pregnancy Resource Center of the Kern River Valley | $3,000 | Aug. 2024 | To fund gift cards |
| Hopesters Inc. | $3,000 | Aug. 2024 | To fund gift cards |
| Be Finally Free Inc. | $5,075 | Aug. 2024 | To fund gift cards and temporary housing assistance |
| Equine Rescue Outakuntrol | $3,000 | Aug. 2024 | To support the care of animals |
| American Red Cross – Kern County & Eastern Sierra Chapter | $3,000 | Aug. 2024 | To provide emergency supplies |
| Breckenridge K9 Border Collie Rescue | $3,000 | Sept. 2024 | To fund gift cards |
| Tehachapi Valley Horse Rescue | $3,000 | Sept. 2024 | To transport hay to set up hay bank |
| Kern River Conservancy | $8,000 | Sept. 2024 | To prepare residents for the winter season |
| United Way of Central Eastern California | $10,000 | Oct. 2024 | To assist families displaced by the Borel Fire |
| Hopesters Inc. | $3,000 | Nov. 2024 | To buy toys and gift cards for the holidays |
| United Way of Central Eastern California | $10,000 | Dec. 2024 | To buy toys and gift cards for the holidays |
| Hopesters Inc. | $5,000 | Dec. 2024 | To buy toys and gift cards for the holidays |
| United Way of Central Eastern California | $10,000 | Jan. 2025 | To fund gift cards |
| Independent Living Center of Kern County | $2,798.13 | Jan. 2025 | To fund personal safety emergency packs, public information items, and informational pamphlets |
| Kern River Conservancy | $10,000 | Feb. 2025 | To fund cleanup resources to remove hazardous burned vegetation |
| KRV Bridge Connection | $7,000 | Feb. 2025 | To purchase an external storage building for non-pershable canned food items |
| KRV Bridge Connection | $73,770 | Apr. 2025 | To fund support for 25 Team Rubicon volunteers for cleanup |
| KRV Bridge Connection | $17,000 | Jun. 2025 | To fund shower services and improved handicap accessibility. |
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.