Craig Newmark, the 71-year-old retired founder of Craigslist, has four focus areas for philanthropy: military families and vets, cyber security, journalism and pigeon rescue.
On Wednesday, he pledged $100 million to support U.S. cybersecurity, bringing his total giving and pledges to $400 million since 2015.
Craig Newmark. Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images
According to Wall Street JournalNewmark has already committed over 20% of its $100 million pledge to cybersecurity organizations and projects. Common sense media, for example, received $2 million to support efforts such as a cyber security awareness campaign for parents and teachers.
Newmark it was $1.3 billion in 2020 and pledged to deliver almost all his wealth for charity in December 2022. He told the Journal that his donation was inspired by the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, Hebrew for “repairing the world.“
Newmark's approach is to find the right peoplegive them the resources they need, “and then get out of their way,” according to him philanthropy page. It does not require grant-making organizations to hit specific targets.
Newmark has yet to deliver $88 million of its latest $100 million pledge. Applications are open through his foundation's website, where he personally vets proposals.
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