Imagine a world where technology doesn’t just sell you more things, but actively strengthens democracy, connects communities, and empowers everyday citizens. That’s not science fiction—it’s the vision of Tom Steinberg, one of the pioneers of civic tech projects. His work proves that digital platforms can make governments more transparent, policies more accountable, and citizens more engaged. In an era when trust in institutions is at an all-time low, the need for these projects has never been greater.
Civic tech isn’t just about coding or building apps; it’s about solving real problems—streamlining access to public information, enhancing government responsiveness, and giving people the tools to act collectively. Inspired by Steinberg’s groundbreaking work with MySociety, civic tech projects worldwide have shown that grassroots innovation can create monumental change. But here’s the catch: these projects thrive only when supported by a network of funders, volunteers, and engaged citizens who believe in their mission.
Whether you’re a student with spare time, a professional with resources, or simply someone who wants to see democracy flourish, you can contribute meaningfully. By learning how to support, fund, and scale civic tech projects, you become part of a global movement pushing for transparency, equity, and accountability. Think of it as an investment not just in technology, but in the future of society itself.
This comprehensive guide will show you practical, actionable strategies to back these initiatives—from volunteering and funding to policy advocacy and community-building. Let’s dive into the world of civic technology and uncover how you can help carry Tom Steinberg’s legacy forward.
Who Is Tom Steinberg and Why Does He Matter?
Tom Steinberg is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in civic technology. He co-founded MySociety, an organization responsible for transformative projects like TheyWorkForYou, FixMyStreet, and WriteToThem. These platforms empowered citizens to access parliamentary records, report local infrastructure issues, and directly engage with elected officials.
Key Contributions of Tom Steinberg
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TheyWorkForYou: Simplified parliamentary data so citizens could track how representatives voted.
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FixMyStreet: Enabled ordinary people to report potholes, broken lights, or public nuisances directly to local councils.
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WriteToThem: Allowed citizens to easily write to their elected officials.
Steinberg’s vision wasn’t limited to the UK. His philosophy—that governments should serve citizens better through open, accessible technology—inspired civic innovators around the world.
Why Civic Tech Projects Matter Today
Civic tech is more than just digital tools; it is the intersection of democracy and technology. At its heart, civic technology focuses on solving problems such as:
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Increasing government transparency
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Strengthening civic participation
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Promoting accountability in governance
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Facilitating community problem-solving
Examples of Global Civic Tech Initiatives
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Code for America (USA): Bridging the gap between government and citizens through innovative apps.
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GovTrack (USA): Helping citizens track U.S. congressional activities.
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Ushahidi (Kenya): Mapping and reporting crisis events in real-time.
These platforms, like those built by Tom Steinberg, demonstrate how small ideas can scale into movements that change how governments and societies function.
How to Support Civic Tech Projects Inspired by Tom Steinberg
Supporting civic technology doesn’t always mean writing code. There are countless ways to get involved, and each contribution—whether time, money, or advocacy—fuels the ecosystem.
1. Volunteer Your Skills
Civic tech projects thrive on diverse skill sets. You don’t need to be a developer to help. Volunteers can contribute by:
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Designing user-friendly interfaces
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Writing content and documentation
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Translating resources into multiple languages
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Conducting outreach and community engagement
2. Provide Financial Support
Many civic tech projects are nonprofits or operate on minimal budgets. Donations allow them to:
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Pay for hosting and technical infrastructure
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Hire staff to maintain projects
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Fund research and outreach campaigns
3. Advocate for Policy Change
Governments play a huge role in whether civic tech succeeds. Advocacy efforts can push for:
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Open data initiatives
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Freedom of information legislation
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Public funding for civic technology
4. Join Local or Global Networks
Communities like Code for All or Civic Hall provide spaces for enthusiasts to collaborate, share knowledge, and scale impact.
5. Spread Awareness
Sometimes, the most powerful action is simply telling others about these tools. The more people who use civic tech platforms, the more effective they become.
Lessons from Tom Steinberg’s Approach
Tom Steinberg emphasized not just building tools, but ensuring they were accessible and impactful. Here are some lessons to draw from his philosophy:
Prioritize Simplicity
Complex platforms discourage users. Tools like TheyWorkForYou succeeded because they simplified parliamentary processes.
Think Globally, Act Locally
Civic tech can have worldwide reach, but projects should start by addressing specific, local problems.
Focus on Longevity
A good project is sustainable. Steinberg’s work shows the importance of creating systems that can function and evolve long-term.
Encourage Open Source
Open-source technology ensures that projects remain transparent, adaptable, and collaborative.
Practical Steps for Individuals
For Students
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Intern with civic tech organizations
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Use your academic research to analyze policy gaps
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Promote projects on campus
For Professionals
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Offer pro bono consulting
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Provide mentorship in design, project management, or communications
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Create partnerships between your company and civic tech initiatives
For Philanthropists and Donors
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Establish grants or fellowships
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Support hackathons and innovation challenges
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Provide long-term funding rather than one-off donations
Challenges Facing Civic Tech Projects
Supporting civic tech also means understanding the hurdles they face:
Funding Instability
Without consistent financial support, projects often stall or shut down.
Limited Awareness
Many people don’t know these tools exist or how to use them.
Government Resistance
Not all institutions welcome transparency. Some may actively block civic initiatives.
Volunteer Burnout
Projects often rely on unpaid labor, which can limit sustainability.
By recognizing these challenges, supporters can better target their contributions to strengthen the sector.
How to Build a Sustainable Ecosystem
For long-term impact, civic tech projects must be supported within a broader ecosystem:
Encourage Public-Private Partnerships
Governments, businesses, and nonprofits should collaborate instead of working in silos.
Invest in Education
Digital literacy is essential. Citizens must know how to use the tools available to them.
Create Feedback Loops
User feedback should guide improvements, ensuring tools remain relevant.
Foster International Collaboration
Civic tech problems often transcend borders. Collaboration accelerates solutions.
Inspiring Examples of Civic Tech in Action
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Mzalendo (Kenya): A watchdog platform for Kenyan Parliament.
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OpenPolis (Italy): Tracking government spending.
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Better Reykjavik (Iceland): Crowdsourcing ideas for local governance.
Each of these reflects the pioneering spirit of Tom Steinberg: making governance clearer, more accessible, and citizen-driven.
How You Can Start Today
Supporting civic tech is easier than most people think. You can:
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Sign up for newsletters from organizations like MySociety or Code for America
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Make a small monthly donation
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Share a civic tool with your community
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Volunteer your skills for a weekend hackathon
Even modest actions contribute to the growth and success of this movement.
Conclusion
Supporting civic tech projects inspired by Tom Steinberg isn’t just about technology—it’s about shaping the future of democracy itself. These initiatives thrive when citizens step forward to volunteer, donate, advocate, and spread the word. Steinberg’s legacy shows us that even simple tools can empower millions when built with clarity, transparency, and purpose.
Every contribution matters. Whether you’re helping to fund hosting costs, designing a more intuitive interface, or simply telling a neighbor about a useful civic app, you’re playing a role in strengthening democracy. As the challenges of governance and trust in institutions deepen globally, the demand for civic tech solutions will only grow.
Tom Steinberg once proved that one organization could change how citizens interact with government. Now, it’s up to all of us to carry that mission forward. By supporting civic technology, you are not only honoring his legacy but also investing in a more accountable, transparent, and participatory future for generations to come.
