The Community Foundation Boulder County has announced that as of January 11 it had raised nearly $19.5 million through its Boulder County Wildfire Fund to provide assistance in the aftermath of the Marshall Fire, said to be the most destructive wildfire disaster in the state’s history.

More than 57,000 individuals, foundations, and companies contributed to the fund, and the foundation has disbursed roughly $3.8 million to date to nearly 1,400 individuals and families. An advisory committee drawn from among local mayors, municipal and county officials, and nonprofit and community leaders has been established to help the foundation’s board determine how best to allocate the funds. Awarded grants include $150,000 to United Policyholders to support those who need help navigating their insurance policies.

“It will take time to understand the short- and long-term needs in our community. We will continue to act thoughtfully and with integrity, to make support available as quickly and easily as possible to those who need it,” wrote Community Foundation Boulder County CEO Tatiana Hernandez in a blog post. “We are still at the beginning of a long road, but I know our community will rebuild, with your support, better and stronger than it was before.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/milehightraveler)