At the Ecuadorian Development Research Lab (LIDE), we have taken a major step toward deepening our mission to drive evidence-based social change: we have officially opened our first international office in the United States.

Our US office is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, adjacent to the University of Minnesota, one of the top public research universities in the US This location is especially meaningful, as it is where LIDE Co-Director Alonso Quijano Ruiz is currently pursuing his Ph.D. studies.

As of October 2024, LIDE has been officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States. This designation allows us to receive tax-deductible contributions, creating new opportunities to expand our funding sources and support high-impact initiatives in Ecuador and beyond.

Why we expanded

The decision to establish a US presence stemmed from the urgent need to diversify our funding portfolio. Earlier this year, the US Embassy in Ecuador, a longstanding partner in various community outreach efforts, unexpectedly ended its grant support. In response, we took action to ensure the continuity of our work by positioning LIDE to attract and manage resources more independently and sustainably.

This transition enables us to continue supporting our students and researchers—individuals committed to ending poverty and social inequities through research and education.

Strengthening our global network

Since our founding, LIDE has been dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities through educational and research projects. By establishing a presence in the US, we are now better equipped to collaborate with donors, universities, and organizations that share our vision of social equity through evidence-based action.

Every contribution we receive directly supports our mission and helps generate real, measurable impact in the communities we serve. If you are interested in supporting our work, we invite you to learn more about our current and past initiatives here and check our donation page. Connect with us on social media (Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn) or email us at alonso[at]laboratoriolide[dot]org or admin[at]laboratoriolide[dot]org.