A basic model for empirical funding distributions

A previous model for a novel system is reinterpreted for the traditional systems of funding allocation. Empirical data can be well described. Both research funding and education funding are analyzed. The effect of merit-based cumulative advantage is more significant in research funding, where a slight difference is noticed between basic sciences and applied sciences. In contrast, the counter effect of cumulative advantage can be observed in education funding. Simple parameters are useful to distinguish between different distributions. The theoretical model presents three distinct regimes: equal sharing, cumulative advantage effect, and counter effect. The regime of equal sharing presents as a valley. Both cumulative advantage effect and counter effect result in the concentration of funding, which present as two plateaus of different heights. •A previous model is reinterpreted as a basic model of funding allocation.•Different distributions can be discerned by simple parameters.•Theoretical model presents three distinct regimes: equal sharing, cumulative advantage effect, and counter effect.•Both research funding and education funding can be well described.