Doing His Part: Craig Newmark’s Mission to Protect Those Who Protect Us

Published: December 10, 2025

Have you heard of Craig Newmark? You might know him as the guy who created Craigslist, an online marketplace where anyone can post ads for everything from yard sales to jobs, or the guy who often posts about his birding hobby on LinkedIn. But did you also know that he is a huge supporter of military families and veterans?

Craig Newmark is the son of a WWII veteran and saw firsthand how little support existed for those who honorably served our country. Determined to make a difference, he established craig newmark philanthropies in 2015 with a mission to help protect those who protect our country.

What began as a personal commitment has grown into a major philanthropic force shaping how communities, nonprofits, and governments support military families. His generous $200 million commitment to military and veteran support organizations made it possible for Blue Star Families to launch and grow the Do Your Part initiative. Do Your Part is a multi-sector coalition of change-makers working to fulfill the Constitution’s promise to “provide for the common defense” by focusing on three areas: community and connectedness, jobs and economic security, and military youth and well-being. This initiative helps identify, prioritize, and implement the best practices to support military families, from housing and mental health resources to job training and educational opportunities.

Craig’s support isn’t just about funding; it’s about creating a movement. By investing in initiatives like Do Your Part, he’s ensuring that service members, veterans, and their families have access to the resources, community, and recognition they deserve.

Thanks to Craig Newmark and other generous supporters, Blue Star Families can do what it does best: connect military families with their communities and help them thrive where they live and serve. His commitment is a model for how private philanthropy and public leadership can work together to improve lives and strengthen our nation.

So next time you think of craigslist, remember the man behind it – and the powerful, lasting impact his generosity is having on the people who protect us every day. Craig Newmark’s philanthropy is a reminder that one person’s vision, paired with  sustained commitment, can ripple outward to strengthen communities, uplift families, and inspire a nation to Do Its Part.