Zuckerberg works toward $50M political advocacy goal -- report

Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is at work on a new, politically focused project, according to a new report.

Zuckerberg, along with his close friend and Harvard roommate Joe Green, is organizing a political advocacy group, the Wall Street Journal is reporting, citing people who claim to have knowledge of his plans. The group should be formally announced at some point in the next few weeks, according to the Journal's sources.

The two men are currently in the process of raising cash, with the ultimate goal of hitting the $50 million mark. With the funds, the group, which has yet to be named, will attempt to initiate changes across a broad array of areas. According to the Journal's sources, the not-for-profit group will register as a 501(c)(4), meaning its focus will be social welfare.

First on Zuckerberg's list of items to tackle? Immigration reform that makes it easier to become a U.S. citizen, according to the Journal's sources. The group will also attempt to improve U.S. education and funding for scientific research.

Not surprisingly, Zuckerberg has called on his fellow tech leaders for the cash to start his group. LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, among other tech executives, have reportedly put up some cash for the effort.

Zuckerberg has certainly been no stranger to politics. His company is becoming increasingly involved in Washington lobbying, and he held a fundraiser for New Jersey governor Chris Christie at his home in Palo Alto, Calif. Zuckerberg's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg, last year hosted an event for President Obama.