Small Contributions. Big Impact.
Running for office in New York City has never been easy—but the NYC Matching Funds Program is changing that.
By turning small contributions into public funds, the program makes it possible for more New Yorkers to run competitive campaigns and build a government that represents the people it serves.
Here’s how it works: when a candidate joins the program and qualifies by raising small contributions from their community, every eligible donation of $10 or more can be matched with public funds at an 8-to-1 rate.
That means a $10 contribution becomes $90 in campaign spending power. Candidates for City Council, Mayor, Borough President, Public Advocate, and Comptroller are all eligible to participate.
This isn’t new. New York City created the program in the 80's to limit the influence of special interests and amplify the voices of everyday New Yorkers. Since then, it’s grown into one of the most impactful public financing systems in the country—and other cities have followed suit!
The results speak for themselves. In the 2021 NYC primaries, 94% of candidates participated in the program. And in that same year, voters elected the most racially and gender-diverse City Council in NYC history—including a majority of women for the first time ever.
Why does that matter? Because running for office takes time, money, and insider knowledge. Those barriers have historically excluded people from underrepresented communities. Matching funds help break that cycle by giving more New Yorkers the chance to run and win.
The program also boosts transparency and accountability. Candidates who rely on small-dollar contributions are more likely to stay connected to the communities they serve. Voters can see exactly who’s backing a candidate—and whether they represent broad support or a narrow slice of the city.
This isn’t just about money—it’s about access. It’s about a future where more teachers, nurses, bodega owners, and neighbors can step into leadership, and where voters can trust that people—not special interests, power campaigns.
Visit nycvotes.org to learn more about the NYC Matching Funds Program and how it’s making our local democracy stronger, more inclusive, and more accountable—one small contribution at a time.
This year’s primary election is on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Early voting runs from Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, June 22. Make a plan to vote early or on Election Day. Get more information about the election, matching funds, and all things NYC elections at NYCVotes.org.