Sean Parker Seeks a New Approach to Charity

Sean Parker has been known for many things over many years, like being a co-founder of Napster, an early Facebook executive and a fun-loving, jet-setting billionaire.

Now he wants to be known for a different role: a distinct kind of philanthropist.

Mr. Parker is embarking on formal introductions of new programs to be financed by his $600 million charitable foundation. He argues that his aim is to swing for the fences on issues that he thinks can be solved.