By Cynthia Bardouka-Large

For his recent birthday, Craig Newmark announced that he had signed the Giving Pledge. He wrote, “Seems like a good way to enter my mid-seventies, which I have done today.” On the Giving Pledge website, his letter reads:

To the Giving Pledge –

I learned early on in Sunday school, from Mr. and Mrs. Levin, to know when enough is enough.

Also, I should treat people like I want to be treated.

A few years later they taught me that I should help “repair the world.” I got lucky with my stuff, but I don’t need the money, so I’m giving it away.

My most effective approach to addressing a manageable number of needs is to build a network of networks of people who know how to get the job done on stuff I care about. Mostly it’s about military families and veterans, and cybersecurity and fighting scams. Also, pigeon rescue. I find the group, fund them, nudge them to work together, and get out of the way.

I may not be the nerd you want, but I’m the nerd you got.

– Craig Newmark

 

Palomacy knows that Craig and Eileen Newmark are true friends of pigeons — the quintessential city dweller – sassy, scrappy, intelligent, comical, sweet, vulnerable birds.

We are delighted, honored, and grateful that Craig Newmark Philanthropies has renewed its support of Palomacy’s life-saving, pigeon-positive work by awarding us a grant of $30,000.

Craig’s vital support is carrying our work into the new year as we rescue birds, restore their health, and place them in forever homes. Sustained effort is required to provide specialized avian veterinary care; to attract, cultivate, and coach foster and forever homes; to continuously reach out to the public to restore the reputation of this once-beloved bird; and to increase awareness of the harms that cause suffering to millions of birds.

In 2025, with Craig’s help, we brought 131 new birds into our rescue, many with serious injuries from predators, providing veterinary care, good food, and a soft place to land in our extensive foster network. We found forever homes for 125 more. The total number in our care is 279 as we head into 2026, with new birds needing help daily. In addition to on-the-ground rescue in our area, we leverage the expertise and commitment of our volunteers to provide guidance to people helping birds all over the US and internationally. We connect them to local resources, and share our collective experience and tested advice for rescuing and caring for pigeons and doves. We are working every day, reminding people of the history we share with these once-appreciated birds, and how much brighter they make our world.

Last year, Craig announced the passing of his particular pigeon friend, Ghost Faced Killer. We’d like to think that the work Palomacy does this year will honor the memory of Ghost Face with every bird we help. We are so grateful to Craig Newmark for seeing these birds for the remarkable individuals they are, and for partnering with us to help “repair the world” for pigeons, too.