The organizations responding to the 2026 Canadian wildfires, and how you can help
Canada is facing one of the most severe wildfire seasons in its recent history. As of July 15, 2026, more than 830 active wildfires are burning across the country, with 1.81 million hectares already lost and Canada’s National Preparedness Level raised to 4. Active fires are affecting British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and Atlantic Canada, with above-average temperatures forecast through August.
The human toll is significant, and it is not falling evenly. First Nations individuals account for approximately 42% of wildfire-related evacuations while representing about 5% of Canada’s population. Since April 1, 2026, 44 First Nations communities have been impacted, more than 4,300 First Nations individuals have evacuated, and more than 1,500 remained displaced as of mid-July. Wildfire smoke has also reached roughly 100 million people across the US Midwest and Northeast, triggering air quality alerts across multiple states and Washington, DC.
This is an ongoing crisis, and the burden is not shared equally. The organizations below are verified, trusted partners doing critical work on the ground. Indigenous-led and Indigenous-serving organizations are listed first because they are bearing the greatest weight of this disaster and leading the most culturally grounded response.
If you’re looking to help, here’s where to start.
Northwestern Ontario organizations responding right now
Namaygoosisagagun First Nation relief, via Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity
Mikinakoos Children’s Fund, dedicated Wildfire Response Fund (separate from their general fund)
Organizations on the frontlines of the 2026 Canadian wildfire response
Indigenous-led and Indigenous-serving organizations
First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of BC (FNESS)
FNESS leads wildfire emergency management for First Nations communities across British Columbia, providing structural fire-hardening support, emergency preparedness training, and culturally safe crisis response. Their work sits at the intersection of Indigenous sovereignty and frontline disaster response, and right now, that work has never been more urgent. Donate now
National emergency response organizations
Canadian Red Cross — Canadian Wildfire Fund
The Canadian Red Cross has deployed teams to provide sheltering, evacuee support, health and mental health services, and direct coordination with Indigenous communities across affected provinces. Donate now
Team Rubicon Canada’s veteran-led disaster response teams are deploying ground support across wildfire-affected regions, bringing specialized skills and rapid-response capacity to communities that need it most. Donate now
Regional and issue-adjacent organizations
World Vision Canada is responding to the crisis with disaster relief and humanitarian support for families displaced by wildfire, helping meet immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery. Donate now
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Ducks Unlimited Canada works on wetland and habitat conservation that directly supports environmental recovery in wildfire-affected landscapes, protecting the ecosystems communities depend on. Donate now
The Salvation Army Canada is on the ground providing emergency food, shelter, and evacuee support across affected communities nationwide. Donate now
GlobalGiving — Canada Wildfire Relief Fund
GlobalGiving’s Canada Wildfire Relief Fund pools donations and directs them to vetted local organizations, with an explicit priority on Indigenous and low-income communities. 100% of designated contributions go toward wildfire response. Donate now
Bonterra’s extended customer service and nonprofit directory
Nonprofits: In addition to creating a directory of verified nonprofits to support, we’re offering reduced-cost and free services to further aid our NPO customers on the ground. Request support with relief efforts like creating new donation campaigns, getting discounted software expansion licenses, or to be added to our directory. Reach out to your Account Executive or email [email protected] today.
Funders and CSR teams: If your team needs assistance using our platform to mobilize employee giving or direct grants to nonprofits responding to the wildfires, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager or Account Executive. You can also launch or contribute to a giving campaign directly through Deed: Start a campaign on Deed.
Additional resources
- Fundraising appeal template: Email template for employee giving
- Bonterra program overview video: Disaster relief and limited campaigns
- Increase impact with a data-driven disaster response: Review the case study
- Community Relief Impact Playbook: A long-term planning resource
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