Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has successfully concluded its donation campaign aimed at supporting the relief efforts for individuals and communities affected by the recent fires in Southern California. LLNL employees donated $41,400.69, to 21 charities actively responding to the immediate aftermath of the fires that impacted the greater Los Angeles area. The campaign, which ran from Jan. 16 to Feb. 14, utilized the Fidelity Workplace Giving platform to facilitate employee contributions.
LLNL received a total of 297 donations from 189 donors, reflecting approximately 2% participation from the Lab. Through the generosity of LLNL employees and a matching commitment from Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (LLNS), the employee-raised $41,400.69 was matched dollar-for-dollar, bringing the total campaign amount to $82,101.38.
This matching fund comes from LLNS's charitable contributions budget, which is part of a $300,000 reserve allocated from a larger $1.3 million pool designated for employee engagement in charitable initiatives throughout 2025. Recognizing the urgent need for support following the fires, LLNL prioritized this cause to maximize its impact. The campaign empowered employees to select from a list of vetted charities focused on disaster relief, ensuring that contributions were directed effectively.
"The LLNL community came together to demonstrate solidarity and support for those impacted by the fires," said LLNL Principal Deputy Director Carolyn Zerkle. "The funds raised will provide essential aid and resources to help rebuild lives and communities in Southern California."
This effort is an extension of the LLNL's Helping Others More Effectively (HOME) Campaign, which offers employees the opportunity to support nonprofits that resonate with them. Of the 189 donors who participated, 94 employees had not contributed to the Lab's 2024 HOME Campaign. This reflects the success of offering targeted campaigns that align with employees' diverse interests, allowing them to support causes that resonate with them personally. By reaching employees in new ways, LLNL is expanding its charitable impact and fostering a culture of year-round giving.
"LLNL extends its gratitude to all employees who participated in this important initiative," said Zerkle. "We are excited to see how our collective efforts will continue to make a positive impact in future initiatives."
