Launched in March 2014, the Hewlett Foundation’s Cyber Initiative seeks to build a more capable field to strategically address a broad range of topics that impact the security, stability and resilience of a free and open Internet and connected devices. This includes not only traditional notions of computer and information security, but related policy issues such as Internet governance, net neutrality, encryption, surveillance and privacy.
This paper, based on a memo presented to our Board in November 2015, describes the refined grantmaking strategy of the Cyber Initiative in light of our experiences so far. It includes a clearer statement of purpose—to cultivate a field that develops thoughtful, multidisciplinary solutions to complex cyber challenges and catalyzes better policy outcomes—as well as more information about our goals for our grantmaking, initial grants made, and priorities for 2016.