The organizations responding to the 2026 Spain and France wildfires, and how you can help
Since July 23, historic wildfires have burned simultaneously across Spain and France, driving more than 330,000 people from their homes in what officials are calling the worst European wildfire emergency since World War II. Spain has declared a national emergency; France has appealed for international aid. And as a fourth heatwave settles over the continent this week — with temperatures climbing past 100°F and no rain in the forecast — the fires may not be fully contained for months.
The blazes have burned across central Spain, including Madrid, Ávila, Castellón, and Toledo, and southwestern France, from Gironde and Landes to the outskirts of Bordeaux. French President Emmanuel Macron has called it “the most severe we have ever recorded, the toughest since the Second World War.” The human toll is mounting, with two lives lost directly in the fires and more than 90 firefighters injured in France alone. The compounding heatwave has been linked to an estimated 5,764 excess deaths across the country.
The scale is hard to absorb. Even as authorities report some blazes stabilizing and evacuees beginning to return home, stabilized is not the same as extinguished. This is an acute crisis demanding action now. Communities remain at risk, and the organizations working on the ground need support to reach displaced families and prepare for a long recovery.
If you’re looking to help, the organizations below are on the ground doing critical work — providing emergency relief, feeding displaced residents and first responders, and preparing for the long recovery ahead.
Nonprofits on the frontlines of the Spain and France wildfire response
In response to this crisis, Bonterra has launched an employee giving campaign through Deed to rally and mobilize support for the communities affected across Spain and France. Every organization below has been vetted by our team, and many can be supported directly — making it simple for employees and CSR customers to direct their giving toward relief efforts on the ground.
We’re proud to share this list with our community. Whether you give through the Deed campaign or donate directly, your support helps these organizations reach displaced families, feed first responders, and aid the recovery effort.
World Central Kitchen is confirmed on the ground in both Spain and France, working with local partners to serve fresh meals to displaced residents and first responders. Donate now
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
The IFRC is coordinating relief across both countries, supporting national Red Cross societies delivering emergency aid to affected communities. Donate now
Croix-Rouge Française (French Red Cross)
The French Red Cross is delivering emergency assistance to evacuees and communities affected by the fires in Gironde, Landes, and beyond. Donate now
Cruz Roja Española (Spanish Red Cross)
The Spanish Red Cross is supporting displaced families across Madrid, Ávila, and Toledo, providing emergency relief and shelter assistance. Donate now
Direct Relief is responding across both Spain and France, mobilizing emergency medical aid to support affected communities. Donate now
Secours Populaire is providing solidarity and emergency support to families displaced by the fires in France. Donate now
GlobalGiving — Mediterranean Wildfire Relief Fund
GlobalGiving’s Mediterranean Wildfire Relief Fund channels support to vetted local organizations responding across Spain and France. Donate now
Sud-Ouest Solidarité is supporting communities affected by the fires in the Gironde and Landes regions of southwestern France. Donate now
PrévEntraide is coordinating solidarity and emergency support for residents affected by the fires in Gironde, France. Donate now
Fondation de France is mobilizing support for relief and recovery efforts across France in the wake of the wildfires. Donate now
Bonterra’s extended customer service and nonprofit directory
Nonprofits: In addition to maintaining a directory of verified nonprofits to support, we’re offering reduced-cost and free services to further aid our nonprofit customers on the ground. Reach out for help creating new donation campaigns, accessing discounted software expansion licenses, or being added to our directory. Contact your Account Executive or email [email protected] today.
CSR leaders: If your team needs assistance using our platform to mobilize employees or direct grants to nonprofits, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager or Account Executive. Together, we can support those in need and help communities recover from this catastrophic event.
Additional resources
- Fundraising appeal template: Email template for employee giving
- Bonterra program overview video: Disaster relief & 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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