> 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/resources-for-donors/unlocking-matching-funds.md).
# Unlocking Matching Funds
Why do I need to verify my email to unlock matching funds?
Matching funds are additional money that a project receives *in addition to* what donors contribute directly. Ma Earth uses a method called [quadratic funding](/ma-earth/funding-explained/quadratic-funding.md) to calculate how much each project receives in matching funds.
This system is designed to uplift projects that have broad community support, meaning **a campaign with many small donors can receive a larger share of the "matching pool" than a campaign with a single large donor.**
Matching funds come from a matching pool contributed by Ma Earth and its partners. The more individual supporters a project has, the more matching funds it is likely to receive.
#### Unlocking matching funds for donations
When you donate to a project on Ma Earth, we need to verify your email before unlocking matching funds.
Email verification proves you're a real person, not a bot or duplicate account. This protects the integrity of our [collective funding model](/ma-earth/funding-explained/ma-earths-funding-model.md) and ensures that matching funds go to the projects with the most community support.
**What if I don’t verify?**
Your donation still reaches the project, but matching funds are not activated for your donation. At the end of the funding round, the project receives less total matching funds than it otherwise could have.
**What happens when I verify?**
Your donation unlocks additional matching funds from our matching pool, according to the [quadratic funding](/ma-earth/funding-explained/quadratic-funding.md) formula, thus amplifying the impact of your donation.
#### How do I verify my email?
You'll receive a verification email immediately after contributing to a project on Ma Earth.
1. Check your inbox for an email from Ma Earth
2. Enter the sign-in code provided
3. Your email is confirmed and matching funds are unlocked
Didn't receive the email?
* Check your spam or junk folder
* Wait a few minutes (sometimes emails are delayed)
* Resend verification email
Code isn't working?
* Be sure to use the most recent code in your email inbox. If several codes appear in the same email thread, check the time stamp to ensure you have the most recent one.
* Resend the verification email and try again.
*Still having trouble verifying?* [*Contact us*](https://maearth.com/contact)*, share your donation details and any relevant screenshots, and we'll help make sure your matching funds are activated.*
***
#### What if I don't verify before the funding round closes?
No matter what, your donation will go to the project you supported. However, matching funds won't be activated for your donation. After the funding round closes, we can't retroactively activate matching.
Please verify as soon as possible to ensure the project receives maximum matching funds.
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