> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.maearth.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.maearth.com/ma-earth/funding-explained/quadratic-funding.md).

# Quadratic Funding

Ma Earth distributes matching funding to projects using an innovative system called quadratic funding. Quadratic funding redistributes decision-making power from donors to communities, meaning community support directly determines how much funding each project receives from the matching pool.

#### How quadratic funding works

With quadratic funding, *the number of supporters matters more than the size of donations*. Community donations effectively vote for where matching funds flow. The more people who back a project, the larger its share of the pool.

The matching pool is funded by Ma Earth Foundation and contributing philanthropic partners.

#### An example of quadratic funding\*

| Funding Source | Project A       | Project B        |
| -------------- | --------------- | ---------------- |
| Donors         | 5 donors × $200 | 100 donors × $10 |
| Crowdfunded    | $1,000          | $1,000           |
| Matching grant | \~$1,500        | \~$12,000        |
| Total funding  | \~$2,500        | \~$13,000        |

Both projects raised $1,000. Project B's broader community support unlocked significantly more matching funds.

#### **Ma Earth's 2024 pilot rounds**

* Average matching grant was roughly 10× the amount raised through crowdfunding
* Projects with the most individual supporters saw matching leverage of 25–45×
* Projects with fewer but larger donors received 2–5× in matching funds

#### What this means for you

**Land stewards:** Focus on reaching many people, rather than finding a few big donors. Every small donation increases your share of the matching pool. Broad community support matters more than donation size.

**Community donors:** Your $10 donation has outsized impact. A donation of any size meaningfully benefits the projects you support.

**Matching pool contributors:** Your capital is allocated by the community, directed to the projects with the broadest grassroots support.<br>

*\*Simplified illustrations. Actual matching amounts vary by round, pool size, number of participating projects, and the number of donors each project attracts.*<br>


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