BMO gives $8 million to support California communities and Los Angeles wildfire recovery

From wildfire-impacted communities in Los Angeles to the solar-powered rooftops of Northern California and workforce development centers in San Francisco, BMO is investing in the future of California. Today, we’re proud to announce an $8 million commitment to non-profit organizations across California, which includes $5 million in new grants across the state.  The new grants are in addition to the $3 million LA Wildfire Recovery Fund pledged in January 2025, for which BMO is now announcing 32 grant recipients supporting recovery from the devastating fires.    

This funding is grounded in our Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It’s not just about dollars — it’s about trust, partnership, and the belief that when we invest in people and place, we all rise.  

Investing in California’s Future  

BMO is making strategic, multi-year investments in three transformative organizations that are advancing a thriving economy, stronger communities, and a sustainable future across California:    

The grant recipients are:  

• Homeboy Industries ($2 million grant) – A globally recognized nonprofit providing gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry services in the Los Angeles area for over 35 years. BMO’s grant will support core operations and the development of the Hope Village campus, which will offer housing, mental health care, and other critical services to formerly incarcerated and unhoused community members.  
• GRID Alternatives ($2 million grant) – An Oakland-based organization that builds community-powered solutions through renewable energy. BMO’s grant will help expand access to solar energy in California communities, providing service to a projected 40,000 people and creating opportunities for 600 job seekers.  
• Glide Foundation ($1 million grant) – A San Francisco-based nonprofit focused on supporting individuals experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, and crisis. BMO’s grant will help launch the Transitional Age Youth Workforce Development Program, which will offer services ranging from street-level support to structured classes and group activities.  

“These donations reflect BMO’s deep commitment to driving progress for our communities, clients, and colleagues. Each of these organizations is doing transformative work to uplift Californians, and we’re proud to be able to make a significant and ongoing contribution to ensure that they have the funding they need to accomplish their goals.”  

– Darrel Hackett
CEO, BMO U.S.

Helping Communities Rebuild After Wildfire  

In early 2025, wildfires swept through Los Angeles County, displacing thousands and devastating neighborhoods in the Palisades, Pasadena, and Altadena. In response, BMO established a $3 million Wildfire Recovery Fund to support the region’s recovery.  

Today, BMO is proud to announce the 32 grant recipients:  

• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles   

• Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation   

• LISC LA   

• AltaMed Health Services Corporation   

• Didi Hirsch Psychiatric Service   

• Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County   

• Los Angeles Urban League   

• West Angeles Community Development Corporation   

• Boys and Girls Clubs of America   

• Community Women Vital Voices   

• Adventist Health White Memorial Charitable Foundation   

• Team Palisades    

• Accessity   

• LA4LA    

• Wellnest Emotional Health & Wellness   

• Five Acres – The Boys and Girls Aid Society of Los Angeles County   

• LA Strong Sports Foundation    

• Direct Relief   

• Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade   

• Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator  

• YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles  

• United Way of Greater Los Angeles  

• Enterprise Community Partners  

• TreePeople  

• Better Angels United Inc.   

• Parks California  

• Foothill Unity Center  

• The SoLa Foundation   

• YWCA San Gabriel Valley  

• Plus Me Project  

• Altadena Community Garden  

These funds will be distributed to non-profit organizations that help individuals and families, with a focus on small business and homeowners, and to groups that are restoring and rebuilding vital community spaces and infrastructure that were impacted by the fires, with a focus on cleanup, safety, and essential needs.  

BMO took a different approach to its wildfire relief efforts, embarking on a months-long process to engage with the communities most affected and listen for where the greatest needs are, to deliver support that is both intentional and impactful.  

A Statewide Strategy for Impact  

All grants align with BMO’s California Giving Strategy and Community Benefit Plan, which prioritize affordable housing, small business recovery, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development.   

These latest grants build on BMO’s ongoing philanthropic efforts in California. Following the acquisition of Bank of the West in 2023, BMO made a $50 million philanthropic commitment to California and has been working with nonprofits across the state to deliver on that promise. As of August 2025, BMO has disbursed more than $27 million in grants to date to nonprofit organizations across the state.  

“This is not a one-time investment—it’s a long-term commitment to the people and places that make California strong. We’re proud to support organizations that are building a more inclusive, sustainable future.” 

– Helen Seibel
Head, Employee & Community Giving, BMO