Airbnb.org, the nonprofit arm of the hospitality company Airbnb, held its inaugural gala in Los Angeles on Wednesday, attracting celebrities like Serena Williams and Charlize Theron. The event coincided with the announcement of a new initiative where Airbnb will donate 10 cents from each stay booked, starting October 28, to generate $500 million over five years for Airbnb.org. This funding will expand the nonprofit’s services to provide free temporary housing to those impacted by crises, including disaster survivors, families traveling for medical care, and those fleeing domestic violence, with a goal of providing 1 million nights of free housing annually.
The launch of Airbnb.org in 2020 and its expansion have drawn attention given long-standing criticism of Airbnb’s impact on affordable housing. Advocates argue that the platform reduces the availability of lower-cost residential homes by shifting them into short-term rentals, a concern that has led to restrictions in cities like New York City and San Francisco. Airbnb reported $12.2 billion in revenue in 2025.
The gala itself sparked some confusion online, with questions raised about why a for-profit company would host such an event for its nonprofit. Airbnb stated the event was intended to celebrate supporters and mark a new chapter for the organization, with fundraising not being the primary focus. The company did not disclose the cost of tables or whether the gala would become an annual event. Chef José Andrés of World Central Kitchen curated the food, and Charli XCX performed, introducing her song “Apple” as being about generational trauma.
Airbnb is currently facing a lawsuit in Los Angeles alleging price gouging on at least 2,000 rental properties during last year’s wildfires, where over 200,000 people lost their homes. Whether Airbnb’s expanded financial commitment will ultimately result in a net benefit remains an open question, particularly in light of this ongoing legal challenge.
Our reading is that Airbnb is attempting to proactively address criticisms of its business model by significantly increasing its philanthropic efforts. The launch of the nonprofit gala, while seemingly unusual for a for-profit company, appears to be a strategic move to improve public perception and demonstrate social responsibility. However, the simultaneous existence of an ongoing lawsuit alleging price gouging introduces a complicating factor, suggesting that the company’s actions may not fully resolve underlying concerns about its practices.
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