Federal lawmakers are calling on Irving Azoff (pictured) to provide a “detailed breakdown” of the NPOs that received FireAid funds.
The FireAid controversy is continuing to intensify: Now, federal lawmakers are calling on Irving Azoff and his wife to provide “a detailed breakdown of all nonprofits that received money” from the benefit concert.
That transparency push comes from Representatives Kevin Kiley and Jim Jordan, the latter of whom chairs the House Judiciary Committee. At this point, most are familiar with the initiative’s $100 million in fundraising – and the pressing questions about the grant particulars thereof.
With FireAid having distributed roughly $75 million to nearly 200 non-profits thus far, those questions center on whether the money has actually supported wildfire relief and recovery. We’ve broken down the far-reaching scrutiny – which is ramping up not just at the federal level, but in several states – as well as FireAid’s response and different angles to boot.
Back to the letter from Representatives Kiley and Jordan, besides seeking a detailed disbursement accounting, the lawmakers are demanding that FireAid allocate its last $25 million “directly to victims of the California wildfires.”
“FireAid has already granted $75 million to 188 non-profits,” the relevant paragraph reads. “The remaining $25 million will be dispersed by the end of the year. It is critical that the remaining money—donations to help Californians in need—be allocated directly to victims of the California wildfires. To further this oversight, we ask that you provide a detailed breakdown of all nonprofits that received money from FireAid, including the amount, date, recipient, and purpose of each expenditure, along with any relevant supporting documentation. Please produce all documents and information as soon as possible but no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 2, 2025.”
Addressing the lawmakers’ letter, Latham & Watkins partner Makan Delrahim pointed to the “misinformation” surrounding FireAid and underscored plans to provide a formal response.
“We are in receipt of the letter and will be responding to the Committee,” Delrahim said to DMN. “There is a lot of misinformation, and we look forward to providing the facts here of what FireAid has done without the help of federal or state money in a matter of days after the devastating fires. I am confident once the Chairman sees the good work FireAid has already done and continues to do, they will be pleased and likely want to encourage efforts such as the private fundraising that was done by FireAid.”
Additionally, as noted by Fox 11, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer donated millions to FireAid, and Clippers chief communications officer Chris Wallace weighed in on the NPO’s distributions to close out July.
“As a newly formed 501(c)(3),” Wallace indicated, “FireAid does not have the capability to make direct payments to individuals, and that was never the plan. To deliver aid into the community, we partnered directly with trusted local nonprofits that have the capacity to reach the communities in need, providing food security, housing, and resources for schools. Each dollar was intended for the community, and a stipulation of the funds was that not a single dollar was spent on administrative costs.”
With that, it’ll be worth keeping an eye out for new details ahead of the letter’s September 2nd deadline. Meanwhile, FireAid is per its website still accepting applications from entities seeking “Round 3 funding.”
