Public Matching Funds

Public matching funds are intended to increase the value of small contributions from individuals, making candidates less dependent on large contributions and assisting candidates who do not have access to large moneyed sources. The overall purpose of matching funds is to reduce the role of money in politics and to help make elections more competitive. Due to a recent change in the law, the Program will match each dollar a New York City resident gives up to $175 with six dollars in public funds, for a maximum of $1,050 in public funds per contributor.

Only candidates who participate in the Campaign Finance Program and meet certain threshold requirements are eligible to receive public funds. Program participants must comply with the rules of the Program and abide by strict spending limits, which are different for each office. The total amount each candidate can receive in matching funds is capped at 55 percent of the spending limit. The limits and requirements that apply for each office are available by election year under the You Need to Know section at left.

The links at left provide more information about joining the Campaign Finance Program and qualifying for public matching funds.