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