The nation's wealthiest individuals and philanthropic foundations are being jolted into action, upping the ante on the size of donations already committed by a string of Rich Listers to fight the bushfires ravaging the country and help fire volunteers and victims.

The Paul Ramsay Foundation committed $30 million to bushfire causes and rebuilding efforts on Wednesday. This is expected to be followed as early as Thursday morning by a substantial package from Andrew Forrest's Minderoo Foundation.