Debunking Common Campaign Funding Myths

Myth 1: "You need to have a lot of money to support a candidate."

Fact: In the 2025 elections, small-dollar contributions (contributions $250 or less for citywide offices, $175 or less for borough president and city council) represented 88.2% of all individual contributions made to campaigns. The median individual contribution was $50. 

What it means: Everyday New Yorkers — from all walks of life and income levels — are the true backbone of campaign funding. 

Myth 2: “Small donations don’t really make a difference in city elections.”

Fact:  In 2025, $41.1 million in individual contributions helped generate $86.8 million in public matching funds distributed to 131 candidates.

Campaigns use those funds to engage with voters and pay for campaign staff, advertising, outreach, and administrative operations. Public funds can't be used for personal expenses or entertainment. Nothing besides the actual campaign itself.

What it means: Small-dollar contributions can have a greater impact, especially when New York City’s Matching Funds Program matches them $8-to-$1. Contributions bring candidates, campaign volunteers, and responses closer to community concerns. 

Myth 3: "Online fundraising makes local campaigning a thing of the past."

Fact: In 2025, credit card contributions processed through our NYC Votes Contribute platform accounted for 89.8% of all individual contributions. 

Those digital contributions increased alongside community engagement from campaigns showing how accessible online tools and grassroots engagement work together.

What it means: Online contribution platforms have made it easier for city residents to pitch in small digital amounts while amplifying the on-the-ground work candidates are doing in the community. Both are equally important.

Myth 4: “People only contribute to campaigns because they’re asked to.”

Fact: Contributions in 2025 increased around key campaign and election moments, like the primary election, mayoral cross-endorsements posted on social media, and candidate debates.

What it means: Events impact contributions, especially those that put candidates and elections in front of voters, including public debates and online campaign activity. 

Myth 5: “Most people contribute the same amount.” 

Fact: Small-dollar contributors gave across a wide range of amounts in 2025. 43.5% gave less than $25, while 81.3% gave less than $100. 

What it means: Small-dollar contributors are not one uniform group. New Yorkers participate at different contribution levels, including very small amounts.

Myth 6: “Big money isn’t a big deal.”

Fact: Independent spending (aka ‘big money’) reached $83.2 million in the 2025 election cycle, compared with $86.8 million in public funds distributed through the Matching Funds Program.

What it means: Independent spenders, or spenders who can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money on a campaign, played a big part in the 2025 elections and raised nearly as much as the public funds distributed through the Matching Funds Program. While big money did not determine the outcome of the mayoral election, it is still important that our campaign finance laws continue to evolve to maintain the strength of New York City’s democracy.