Omidyar Network and Avina team up to boost civic tech in Latin America, again

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ImpactAlpha

The Latin American Alliance for Civic Technology (ALTEC) launched today with $3.5 million for projects using technology to fight corruption and improve public services.

Omidyar Network and Fundación Avina and Avina Americas backed the fund to support nonprofits and for-profits using “civic tech” to promote civic engagement and government transparency.

Combined with offline mobilization, civic tech “creates opportunities for a wide range of citizens to engage in crafting policies and processes,” said Lucía Abelenda of Fundación Avina.

Omidyar contributed $2.9 million to the new fund, which will invest up to $150,000 in 20 projects.

In 2013, the two foundations backed the Accelerator Fund for Civic Innovation, which funded 26 projects in nine Latin American countries.

Photo credit: Lavca