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BMO's Commitment to California and Wildfire Recovery

On October 28, 2025, BMO announced a significant commitment of $8 million aimed at assisting nonprofit organizations throughout California. This investment includes $5 million in new grants that are designed to strengthen communities across the state, as well as $3 million earmarked for the LA Wildfire Recovery Fund, which was initially pledged in January of the same year.

Investing in California's Future

New Grants for Nonprofits

The recent $5 million grants will be disbursed over the coming years to various organizations that promote a robust economy, community resilience, and sustainable futures. Notable beneficiaries include:

• - Homeboy Industries ($2 million): A global nonprofit organization that has been offering intervention, rehabilitation, and reintegration services to gang members in the Los Angeles area for over 35 years. The grant will support essential operations and the development of their Hope Village campus, which aims to provide housing, mental health support, and other critical services for previously incarcerated and homeless individuals.

• - GRID Alternatives ($2 million): Based in Oakland, this organization develops community-based renewable energy solutions. BMO's grant will help expand solar energy access in California, impacting approximately 40,000 individuals and creating job opportunities for 1,000 job seekers.

• - Glide Foundation ($1 million): Located in San Francisco, Glide focuses on aiding individuals encountering poverty, housing insecurity, and crisis situations. The funding will help launch the Transitional Age Youth Workforce Development Program, which provides services ranging from street outreach to structured classes and group activities.

Community Impact Statements

Darrel Hackett, CEO of BMO U.S., emphasized the bank's commitment to community progress, stating, "These donations reflect BMO's deep commitment to the advancement of our communities, customers, and employees. Each of these organizations does transformative work to improve the lives of Californians, and we are proud to contribute significantly and consistently to ensure they have the resources needed to achieve their goals."

Shirley Torres and Steve Delgado, co-executive directors of Homeboy Industries, expressed their gratitude for BMO's ongoing partnership, stating, "Their generosity supports our daily work of hope, healing, and transformation and encourages us to continue developing Hope Village, a place where individuals and families can find a sense of belonging and new possibilities."

Erica Mackie, co-founder and co-executive director of GRID Alternatives, remarked on the partnership’s significance: "Together, we are helping families maintain housing affordability by reducing financial burdens from rising utility costs, allowing them to divert those savings to daily necessities like food, medical bills, or transportation."

Dra. Gina Fromer, president and CEO of Glide Foundation, highlighted the grant’s importance for youth navigating employment challenges, saying, "This generous grant will mean so much for young adults facing employment barriers. Thanks to BMO for believing in our young clients' potential."

Wildfire Recovery Initiatives

$3 Million for Fire Recovery

BMO also announced the recipients of the $3 million from the LA Wildfire Recovery Fund, which will support organizations assisting individuals and families, particularly small businesses and homeowners. These funds will aid groups dedicated to restoring and rebuilding essential infrastructure and community spaces affected by the wildfires, with a specific focus on cleanup, safety, and basic needs.

BMO's approach involved months of engaging with the most affected communities to understand their pressing needs, aiming to provide intentional and meaningful aid. Joe Nagy, president of Altadena Community Garden, noted, "The way organizations and individuals throughout Southern California have come together in recovery efforts is a true testament to our community’s resilience. We appreciate BMO's ongoing support of our mission, particularly their dedication to help local residents."

Building on a Legacy of Community Investment

These most recent grants are part of BMO's ongoing philanthropic efforts in California. Following the acquisition of Bank of the West in 2023, BMO pledged $50 million in philanthropic donations to California, collaborating with nonprofit organizations to fulfill that promise. Since August 2025, BMO has already distributed over $27 million in grants to statewide nonprofit organizations.

Hackett added, "When BMO acquired Bank of the West, we inherited not just a footprint but a legacy of community connection across California and a team committed to giving back. We take our responsibility to invest in California’s future seriously and to be present when our communities need us the most."

BMO Gives: Cultivating Good

Supporting communities to thrive by backoving organizations that underpin them and encouraging staff donations and volunteerism is at the heart of BMO’s purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.
In 2024, BMO allocated over $80 million to foster community progress, including $74.3 million in philanthropic contributions to hundreds of charities and nonprofits across North America. Their team dedicated over 54,000 hours to community volunteerism and contributed more than $28.7 million through staff-driven initiatives during annual campaigns.
For more information, visit BMO.com.

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group is North America's seventh-largest bank by assets, reporting a total of $1.4 trillion as of July 31, 2025. Serving clients for 200 years, BMO is an institution with a diverse and committed team providing a broad range of banking products and services to personal and commercial clients, wealth management, global markets, and investment services to 13 million customers in Canada, the U.S., and other global markets. Driven by a single purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is dedicated to creating positive change in the world, advancing toward a thriving economy, sustainable future, and a more inclusive society.