# Cobudget

> software application for participatory budgeting

**Wikidata**: [Q115010482](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115010482)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cobudget

## Summary
Cobudget is a software application and website designed to facilitate participatory budgeting. Founded in 2014 by Francesca Pick, it serves as an open-source platform that allows groups to collaborate on funding allocation. The tool is utilized to support democratic financial decision-making within communities.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** Cobudget was founded in 2014.
- **Creator:** The application was created by Francesca Pick.
- **Primary Use:** It is used for participatory budgeting.
- **License:** The software is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License, version 3.0 or later.
- **Instance Type:** It is classified as an open-source software application and a website.
- **Country of Origin:** Sweden.
- **Source Code:** The code repository is hosted at github.com/cobudget/cobudget.
- **Website:** The platform is accessible at https://cobudget.com/.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Cobudget?
A: Cobudget is a software application designed specifically for participatory budgeting. It enables groups and communities to collaborate and make collective decisions on how to allocate funds.

### Q: Is Cobudget free to use and modify?
A: Yes, Cobudget is open-source software released under the GNU Affero General Public License (version 3.0 or later). This allows users access to the source code under the terms of this license.

### Q: Who created Cobudget and when was it launched?
A: Cobudget was created by Francesca Pick and was launched in 2014.

## Why It Matters
Cobudget plays a significant role in the field of democratic governance and collaborative management by digitizing the participatory budgeting process. By providing an open-source platform, it lowers the barrier to entry for organizations and communities wishing to implement transparent, collective decision-making regarding their finances. Unlike proprietary solutions, its licensing under the GNU Affero General Public License ensures that the software remains free and open for public benefit, fostering a culture of shared resources. Originating in Sweden but accessible globally via the web, the tool addresses the logistical challenges of group budgeting, allowing for a more inclusive distribution of power and money. It effectively transforms the abstract concept of "sharing power by sharing money" into a practical, software-driven workflow.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Accessibility:** Unlike many budgeting tools, it is open-source, allowing for transparency and community-driven development.
- **Participatory Focus:** It is distinctively designed to democratize the funding process rather than simply tracking expenses.
- **License Model:** The use of the AGPL-3.0-or-later license is notable for protecting the software's freedom to be used and redistributed.
- **Global Reach:** While associated with Sweden, it functions as a web-based platform available to English-speaking users internationally.

## Body

### Overview and Classification
Cobudget is a software application and website classified as both an **application** and **open-source software**. It functions as a set of related web pages served from a single domain, providing a digital interface for users. The platform is designed for end-users to engage directly in budgeting activities without requiring extensive technical knowledge of the underlying code, though the code is publicly accessible.

### Technical Specifications
The technical framework of Cobudget is defined by its open-source nature.
- **Source Code:** The original source code is available in a public repository hosted on GitHub.
- **Licensing:** It operates under the **GNU Affero General Public License, version 3.0 or later**. This license permits users to use and redistribute the software in its current state with libre access to the original source code.
- **Platform:** The service is delivered primarily through its website, cobudget.com.

### History and Origin
Cobudget was established in **2014**. The project is associated with creator **Francesca Pick**. Records indicate the entity has a country status of **Sweden**. The project maintains a digital presence through its official website and social media channels, including a Twitter account active since August 2014.

## References

1. [Source](https://cobudget.com/terms-and-conditions)
2. [Source](https://cobudget.com/about)
3. [Source](https://www.greaterthan.works/resources/sharing-power-by-sharing-money)
4. [Source](https://github.com/cobudget/cobudget/blob/main/LICENSE)
5. [Source](https://cobudget.com/)