Meet Craig Newmark, the 71-year-old retired founder of Craigslist, who is leaving a philanthropic mark in four key areas: military families and vets, cybersecurity, journalism, and even pigeon rescue. His commitment to giving back is truly inspiring.
Recently, Newmark announced a whopping $100 million pledge to support U.S. cybersecurity, adding to his total giving and pledges of $400 million since 2015. This significant contribution underscores his dedication to making a difference.
Craig Newmark. Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images
The Wall Street Journal reports that Newmark has already allocated over 20% of the $100 million pledge to various cybersecurity initiatives. For instance, Common Sense Media received $2 million to spearhead a cybersecurity awareness campaign for parents and teachers, showcasing the tangible impact of his philanthropy.
With a net worth of $1.3 billion in 2020, Newmark is on a mission to give away almost all of his wealth to charitable causes by December 2022. Inspired by the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, meaning “repairing the world,” he aims to make a lasting difference in society.
Newmark’s approach is refreshingly hands-off; he believes in empowering the right people with the necessary resources and allows them to drive change. This philosophy echoes through his philanthropy’s website, emphasizing a trust-based relationship with grant recipients.
As he has yet to allocate $88 million from his latest $100 million pledge, organizations can apply for funding through his foundation’s website. Newmark personally reviews proposals, ensuring that his giving aligns with impactful initiatives.
Stay tuned for more updates on Craig Newmark’s philanthropic journey as he continues to make a meaningful difference in the world.