AfD benefits from public funds: right-wing populists are financed by state money. State funding for parties is based on membership fees.
Political parties in Germany are financed primarily through membership fees, money from the state and donations. The AfD cites one percent of net income as a “guideline”. The Greens also state this as their monthly membership fee. The Left expects relatively high contributions from its members. The SPD, CDU, FDP and the Left have contribution levels staggered according to income, into which members have to place themselves.