Matching Funds Program

Elections powered by you. Matched by us. 

What is the Matching Funds Program? 

It takes your small contributions and multiplies them. 

• For every contribution up to $250, the program matches it at an $8 to $1 rate. So, if you contribute $10 to a candidate, we give $80 of public funds. The campaign then gets $90, which helps pay for costs including staff or campaign materials.

It gives you a chance to run.  

• Running for office shouldn’t be about who has the most money. It should be about who wants to make the biggest impact and help the most people.  

Why is the Matching Funds Program important to NYC? 

The Matching Funds Program: 

• Helps New Yorkers run for office. 
• Ensures your hard-earned dollars go further.  
• Means candidates answer to you. 
• Bolsters transparency around campaign fundraising and spending. 
• Gives your voice power beyond the voting booth. 
• Creates a government as diverse as the people it represents. 

Did you know? With the support of the New York City Matching Funds Program, the City Council elected in 2021 was the most diverse in the city’s history, including the first-ever majority of women on the Council. 

How to contribute to the Matching Funds Program

First, a candidate running for Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, Borough President, or City Council raises the minimum amount necessary (table below) to join the Program. 

Then, a New Yorker like you contributes directly through the campaign or through us.  

Did you know? The average contribution in the 2021 election cycle was about $150. But no contribution is too small! 

So, you contributed. What now?

Every campaign that receives public funds must provide details about how the money was spent, which lets you keep track of every dollar of campaign spending.

At the CFB, our goal is to make sure candidates are accountable to New Yorkers, and that public funds are spent responsibly.

But don’t just take it from us. You can track contributions and more with our Follow the Money tool.