Giving Circle FAQ
What is Markers For Democracy?
Markers For Democracy (MFD) is an all-volunteer grassroots activist group, founded in 2018 by a group of friends who gathered to write postcards to encourage voter turnout in Democratic races across the country. MFD currently has nearly 6000 members and has written hundreds of thousands of postcards to voters. As we grew, so did our activities and initiatives, including hosting over 800 candidates, grassroots organizations, authors, and thought leaders; text banking and phone banking; three 24-hour postcard marathons; other special events; and in 2019 the formation of our Giving Circle.
What is a Giving Circle?
A Giving Circle is a group of friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors who pool financial contributions for a common cause. In this case, our MFD Giving Circle pools resources to help shift or defend the balance of power in key state legislatures, creating meaningful change and improving lives.
Which states has the Markers For Democracy Giving Circle raised funds for?
In 2019 the MFD Giving Circle raised over $34,000 to help flip the Virginia state legislature from red to blue.
In 2020, the MFD Giving Circle raised over $140,000 to help Democrats running for state legislatures in Arizona and Pennsylvania, two of the states critical to President Biden’s victory in November.
In 2021, we raised over $60,000 to help hold the line in Virginia in a very tough election year for Democrats.
In 2022, we went back to Arizona and Pennsylvania and raised over $170,000 to support Democrats running for state legislatures in those two states. We were thrilled when the Pennsylvania House flipped from red to blue. We held ground in Arizona and our efforts helped Democrats win crucial state-wide races.
In 2023 we raised over $80,000 to help flip the VA House of Delegates blue and to hold the VA Senate majority.
In 2024 we raised over $220,000 for Arizona and Pennsylvania, and helped to hold the narrow Democratic majority in the PA State House.
What state are you focusing on in 2025?
For 2025, our giving circle is returning to Virginia, where Democrats currently hold the House majority by a single seat. Maintaining and expanding that majority is vital for protecting Virginia’s citizens but will also help in the critical effort to elect a Democratic governor in 2025. Starting early gives us the best chance to make a difference—and together, we can.
What is The States Project?
The States Project researches and strategically targets state legislative districts to change the balance of power by flipping chambers and breaking supermajorities. The States Project’s policy arm creates, tracks, and promotes progressive legislative agendas. Giving Circle contributions to The States Project go 100% toward supporting endorsed candidates via canvassing efforts, candidate training, research and analysis, and more. The PAC for America's Future powers the electoral work of The States Project.
Why do states matter?
State legislatures impact people’s lives by creating and passing laws that affect gun legislation, access to healthcare, voting rights and drawing of Congressional districts, and reproductive freedom, among other critical issues. Moreover, the cost of flipping state legislatures is an efficient return on financial investment.
What is Grapevine?
Grapevine is a not-for-profit community platform for raising money, similar to ActBlue, but not limited to politics. Our Markers For Democracy Giving Circle in partnership with The States Project uses Grapevine to facilitate the processing of donations to the Giving Circle.
Where can I learn more and join?
Click Here to learn more and join the Markers For Democracy 2025 Giving Circle. Contributions of any amount are welcome. If you prefer to donate by check, Download Contribution Form and follow instructions. Be sure to write “Markers For Democracy” in memo!