Spokane, Wash. – The Innovia Foundation announced that applications for the Karen Worthy Memorial Wildfire Grant will close on Sunday, Oct. 18. The one‑time grant provides $10,000 in direct assistance to households whose primary residence was destroyed or declared a total loss in the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, or Fairview fires that ravaged the Spokane area in August 2026.
Who can apply
Both homeowners and renters are eligible to apply, provided they can document that their home was lost in one of the three named fire zones. The grant is intended to cover urgent recovery costs such as temporary housing, basic household items, and other essential expenses while insurance claims, FEMA aid, and other assistance are still being processed.
How to apply
Interested families should visit KarenWorthyWildfireGrant.com for the application form and detailed eligibility criteria. The application must be submitted by the Oct. 18 deadline to be considered for funding.
Background of the fund
The grant program was created by Spokane businessman Walt Worthy through the Karen Worthy Memorial Community Fund at Innovia Foundation, in memory of his late wife, Karen Worthy. The fund was established after the August 2026 Spokane Complex Fires to help neighbors rebuild their lives.
“Spokane gave us so much — more, I think, than we can ever give back,” Worthy said. “We built close friendships and business relationships here, and so many people helped us make these projects happen — people we’re still close with today. Karen was a big part of all of it. I’m proud and pleased that we have the opportunity to step up and do this. If she were here to see this, I know she’d be proud and pleased, too.”
Administration of the grant
The Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group, a nonprofit formed after the August 2023 Gray Road and Oregon Road wildfires, is handling verification and distribution of the grants. The group coordinates recovery assistance and disaster case management for fire‑affected residents throughout Spokane County.
Why the grant matters
For many families, the $10,000 payment can mean the difference between living on the streets or securing safe, temporary shelter while they await longer‑term solutions. The grant also helps cover essential items such as clothing, food, and personal care products that are often overlooked in disaster assistance programs.
Local leaders have praised the initiative as a concrete example of community‑driven relief that complements federal and state aid. By targeting immediate needs, the grant aims to reduce the financial strain on families and accelerate the overall recovery process for Spokane’s fire‑hit neighborhoods.
Next steps for applicants
Applicants should gather documentation of loss, such as fire department reports, insurance statements, or FEMA notices, before completing the online form. The Innovia Foundation encourages anyone affected to apply promptly, noting that the limited number of grants means funding will be allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
For additional information, residents can contact the Innovia Foundation’s Spokane office at (555) 123‑4567 or email [email protected].
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
