In order to influence this cost-benefit calculation, contract designers sometimes include a fund whose members receive financial assistance and contribute to the members of the contract. We argue that the inclusion of a funding mechanism in a contract can increase the costs (benefits) of membership, but also reduce them, and thus influence the state`s decisions on participation in both directions. In particular, we argue that: (1) States as a whole are more likely to accede to international agreements containing a fund; 2. the likelihood of joining agreements involving a fund is higher if contributions to the Fund are voluntary; and (3) Countries are more inclined to enter into agreements, including a fund that only provides assistance to a certain number of contract members. .
