John,

Do you know the history behind New York City’s small-dollar matching funds program?

Campaign contributions from NYC residents are matched 8 to 1 by the City’s matching program. Make a one-time matched contribution to support Brad Lander here.

The story behind NYC’s matching funds program shows how New York is leading the way for democracy and setting the standard for people-powered campaigns. Let’s talk about the history behind this landmark program!

In 1988, the New York City Campaign Finance Board's Matching Funds Program was established to counter the rapidly growing cost of running for public office. It encouraged candidates to finance their campaigns through small donations from average New Yorkers instead of wealthy special interests.

Under the original program, in exchange for agreeing to campaign spending limits and increased financial oversight, participating candidates for city office received six dollars of matching funds for every one dollar they raise through small donations from New York City residents.

As a result, as one study found, “by pumping up the value of small contributions, the New York City system gives [politicians] an incentive to reach out to their own constituents rather than focusing all their attention on wealthy out-of-district donors, leading them to attract more diverse donors into the political process.”

Today, for every dollar contributed by an individual NYC resident, a participating candidate can receive public funds matched 8 to 1.

The matching funds program makes it easier for ordinary New Yorkers to participate in our democracy. With matching funds, candidates can run competitive campaigns even if they lack access to wealthy contributors, party bosses, lobbyists, or special interest groups. Candidates can build diverse, winning campaigns by relying on the support of their neighbors and constituents.

Here’s a look at just how quickly small contributions add up through the program:

A $1 donation makes a $9 impact.

A $5 donation makes a $45 impact.

A $10 donation makes a $90 impact.

A $25 donation makes a $225 impact.

Your support is key to ensuring that Brad can focus on making New York City more transparent, sustainable, and efficient. A donation of even a few dollars has an 8 to 1 impact — so please, if you can chip in now, we know he’d greatly appreciate it.

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By running on donations from everyday New Yorkers across the city, Brad guarantees that the only people he’s beholden to are the New Yorkers he serves. After all, elected officials should be accountable to the people they serve, not to big-money special interest contributors.

– Team Lander

P.S. Brad doesn’t accept any contributions from corporate special interests, so he’s really counting on grassroots supporters like you to help him continue fighting to make New York City run more justly and transparently. Can you make a one-time contribution matched 8 to 1 today?