Photo Credit: YouTube
Google and YouTube contribute $15 million to organizations providing immediate relief in the Los Angeles area.
Following in the footsteps of many other major companies this week, YouTube and its parent company Google announce the donation of $15 million to organizations providing immediate relief in Los Angeles. These include Emergency Network Los Angeles, American Red Cross, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and the Institute for Nonprofit News. Other big tech companies have also announced donations this week.
Additionally, YouTube will offer production facilities to “impacted creators and artists as they begin to recover and rebuild their businesses,” once it’s safe to reopen its offices in the region. YouTube also intends to host events to “bring the YouTube creative community together” to support recovery and rebuilding efforts across the industry.
“Los Angeles is the heart of entertainment and storytelling and has an impact on culture all over the world,” said YouTube CEO Neal Mohan. “It’s also where many YouTube creators, artists, partners, and our employees call home. Like so many, we’ve been heartbroken by the devastation from the wildfires and want to do our part to support the community as it rebuilds.”
On Monday, Snap CEO and co-founder Evan Spiegel announced that he and co-founder/CTO Bobby Murphy and the company have distributed $5 million in “immediate aid” to Los Angeles relief organizations. Organizations that have received funding from the company and its founders include After the Fire USA, American Red Cross, California Fire Foundation, CCF Wildlife Recovery Fund, Direct Relief, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon, United Way Wildlife Response Fund, Watch Duty, and World Central Kitchen. They plan to donate more.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan are making a combined $4 million donation to relief efforts. Meta committed to donating $2 million in cash and advertising credits, with beneficiaries including the American Red Cross, Direct Relief, International Rescue Committee, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and Pasadena Humane Society. The ad credits will support PSA messaging to affected communities and support fundraising appeals on Facebook and Instagram.
“Praying for everyone in L.A. Really tough to see all the videos and photos of the devastation,” wrote Zuckerberg in a Facebook post. “Priscilla and I are giving to the relief efforts, and Meta is as well. Meta also activated Safety Check and so far more than 400k people have used it to let family and friends know they’re safe.”
Google, Meta, and Snap join others that have earmarked or given money to L.A. organizations assisting in the recovery efforts. These include Disney, Comcast, Paramount, Universal, Netflix, Amazon, and Warner Bros. Discovery.