Nebraska Community Foundation launches wildfire recovery fund as historic fires impact state

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Community Foundation has established a statewide wildfire recovery fund to support communities impacted by the ongoing wildfire crisis across central and western Nebraska.

The Nebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund was created in response to the historic fires that have burned more than 800,000 acres statewide, including the Morrill Fire, which has grown to more than 643,000 acres and is the largest wildfire in Nebraska history.

Foundation officials said the fund will provide financial assistance to affected communities through grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities. Support may include aid for individuals and families, safety equipment for responders and investments in emergency management infrastructure.

“Our hearts go out to our fellow Nebraskans navigating this tragic loss,” Nebraska Community Foundation President and CEO Jeff Yost said in a statement. “When the communities and places most impacted by these fires enter their rebuilding phase, the Nebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund will be a resource as they turn the lessons of this tragedy into investments toward a more resilient, adaptable future.”

The foundation works with 266 communities across Nebraska, including many in areas directly affected by the Morrill and Cottonwood fires.

Officials said the organization will use its statewide network of approximately 1,500 volunteers to support recovery efforts, building on its previous disaster response work during events such as the 2019 floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund is expected to play a key role in long-term recovery efforts as ranchers, homeowners and communities begin rebuilding following widespread damage to land, infrastructure and livestock.

Donations to the Nebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund can be made online through the Nebraska Community Foundation.