Today, Creative Commons is excited to make two important announcements.

First, we’re thrilled about a major new grant of $4 million from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, consisting of $2.5 million to provide general support to Creative Commons over five years, as well as $1.5 million to support ccLearn.

We’re also pleased to announce some changes to CC’s leadership that reflect. Lawrence Lessig is stepping down as CEO of Creative Commons, to focus on his newly-launched project, Change Congress. He will be replaced by entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and free culture advocate Joi Ito. Lessig will remain on the Creative Commons board.

From Larry:

“Both pieces of news we are announcing today reflect Creative Commons’ maturation from a startup into crucial infrastructure for creativity, education, and research in the digital age.”

Founding board member and Duke law professor James Boyle will become chair of the board, replacing Ito, who will remain on the board.

Read more about this news on the press release we issued today.