Receiving Additional Public Funds

Table of Contents

Submitting a Matching Request

Submitting a Matching Request

Once certified as eligible to receive public financing, candidates are eligible to request additional public funds through the submission of a Matching Request. The amount of funds a candidate can receive is dependent on the amount of additional contributions the candidate submits. There is no limit on the number of Matching Requests a candidate can submit until they reach the maximum allowable amount of public funds, but the deadline to submit claims is 5:00pm on the 30^th day after the election.

What is a matching contribution?

Matching contributions are contributions that meet the following:

Do not exceed $150 in aggregate from a single source, including contributions approved in prior submissions;
Has not already been matched for public funds (Example: If a $50 contribution was approved in the Qualifying Request, it may not be used again in a Matching Request);
Is made by an individual who is a San Francisco resident;
Is made no earlier than 18 months prior to the election and no later than the 30^th day following the date of the election; and
Is supported by appropriate documentation.

How much can a candidate receive after the initial payment?

The tables below show the initial disbursement amounts and the maximum total public funds that may be received by Supervisor and Mayoral candidates. For each eligible matching contribution approved as part of a Matching Request, candidates will receive public funds at a 6-to-1 ratio.

Maximum Allowable Funds: Candidates for Supervisor

	Non-Incumbent Candidate		Incumbent Candidate
	Private Contributions Raised	Matched Public Funds	Private Contributions Raised	Matched Public Funds
Initial Grant	$10,000	$60,000	$15,000	$60,000
1:6 Match	$32,500	$195,000	$32,000	$192,000
Total	$42,500	$255,000	$47,000	$252,000

Maximum Allowable Funds: Candidates for Mayor

	Non-Incumbent Candidate		Incumbent Candidate
	Private Contributions Raised	Matched Public Funds	Private Contributions Raised	Matched Public Funds
Initial Grant	$50,000	$300,000	$75,000	$300,000
1:6 Match	$150,000	$900,000	$147,500	$885,000
Total	$200,000	$1,200,000	$222,500	$1,185,000

How do candidates submit a Matching Request?

Filing a Matching Request follows the same process as filing a Qualifying Request. The Matching Request must be filed electronically accompanied by the same contribution list and supporting documentation. To review the supporting documentation required for each contribution, refer to the Supporting Documentation for Public Financing page. For instructions on how to file a Matching Request using Netfile, the Commission’s public filing system, refer to the NetFile Filer Guide.

Is there a minimum amount of contributions required for a Matching Request?

Yes. Any submission of a claim for public funds must include a minimum of $1,000 of matching contributions, except during the final 14 days before an election, when a claim for public funds only needs to include a minimum of $200 of matching contributions.

How often may candidates submit a Matching Request?

As long as candidates remain eligible to receive public funds, they may submit claims for additional funds on a continuous first-come, first-served basis. Once a candidate has been notified of a determination on an existing request, they may submit a new Matching Request. This means a candidate may have only one request pending before the Ethics Commission at any time.

When is the last day a candidate may request matching funds?

All claims for public funds must be submitted no later than 5:00pm on the 30^th day after an election.