What's the difference between MDF and co-op funds?
MDF and co-op are both brand-funded channel marketing money. Co-op typically accrues from partner purchases and reimburses a percentage of eligible local spend after it happens; MDF is typically allocated at the brand's discretion against proposed activity before it runs.
The distinction blurs in practice — many automotive programs mix both: an accrual-based co-op pool plus discretionary MDF for strategic pushes such as a model launch, a regional campaign, or an EV initiative. What actually differs program to program is how funds are earned (accrual vs. allocation), when they're committed (before vs. after activity), what spend is eligible, and what proof is required.
For network operations, the label matters less than the rules engine. Any program reduces to the same five parts: budget scope, eligibility, approval chain, evidence requirements, and payout terms.
In practice
In Sizle, MDF and co-op are programs with different rule configurations on the same campaign lifecycle, so dealers see one workflow regardless of which pot funds the campaign.