Quilts For Democracy
Supporting Rural Missouri Democratic Candidates
Quilts For Democracy (QFD) is a Democratic grassroots organization based in Jefferson County, Missouri. Our mission is to support rural Missouri House and Senate Democratic candidates (primarily) by hand crafting quilts that can be used to raise campaign funds in the 2026 mid-terms. In 2024, we donated 18 quilts to 18 candidates (at no cost). One quilt raised over $3,500.
QFD is currently building our inventory in preparation for the November 2026 election. Quilts require a pattern, fabric, batting, backing, thread, and binding. A King sized quilt can cost as much as $300 in materials, not including labor. Up to this point, Sally and Barb have borne almost all of the costs and labor. We appreciate all donations of fabric, gently used home made quilts, and money. Donations can be made via PayPal or Venmo using the buttons at the top left. Or checks can be mailed to the address on the last page.
Candidates are not allowed to purchase a quilt, but they can arrange for a sponsor to donate and reserve a quilt. Sponsorships are available at three levels: Gold is $250 for a Queen or King size. Silver is $200 for a double or twin. Bronze is $150 for a sofa size or wall hanging. If a candidate is sponsored, the candidate will be assured of getting a quilt once they have officially registered with the Secretary of State in 2026. If not sponsored, QFD will give priority to candidates in counties that have helped QFD thru volunteer quilters, or that have donated to QFD. Any remaining quilts will be distributed thru a lottery. Our inventory of quilts can be viewed below. Call BARB (see last page for #) to discuss sponsorship, availability of quilt selection, and payment methods.
2026 Quilts
The following quilts can be sponsored and reserved for your favorite candidate today. We realize that we will have more candidates than quilts, so the only sure way to receive a quilt is by sponsoring and reserving one with BARB (see last page for number) . See the slide show below for our inventory of completed quilts. You will not be able to use the cart option to buy a quilt, but you may use it to select a quilt to read the description. Descriptions of the quilts are listed underneath each quilt, so you will need to scroll down. Once a quilt is paired with a candidate (by either Barb or Sally) we will post the candidate's ActBlue account and website address to help promote our Missouri candidates.
*Note: Candidates are required to report a quilt donation on their MEC reports as an in-kind donation.
Our Mission Story
Crafted with Love
Quilts For Democracy was started by Sally Brooks in 2024. As a prior candidate, Sally realized how difficult it was to raise money in a rural community. As an avid quilter, Sally also realized that she could turn fabric into fundraising fuel. No longer a candidate, Sally and her volunteers work even harder to preserve democracy, stitch by stitch, one quilt at a time. Even though Sally recently moved to Michigan, she is still sewing and quilting to support candidates in the state that she grew up in.
2024 Testimonials and Quilts
The first picture below shows a sampling of (7) QFD quilts that were displayed at the 2024 Jefferson County Awards Dinner. Some candidates created a QR code that linked directly to their ActBlue account. QFD does not collect or handle any candidate money. QFD does showcase quilts that are donated to candidates and does include each candidate's individual link to their ActBlue account. The followin 4 pics are of candidates with their quilts and testimonials.
"Quilts For Democracy made it easier for me to fundraise and connect with voters! Fundraising is difficult enough, and many folks don't want to give money without seeing something in return. The gorgeous handmade quilts from Quilts for Democracy helped to not only raise funds, but to connect with voters. Everyone loves a beautiful handmade quilt! Offering a chance to win one is such a crafty way to engage voters in local politics."
-- Randi McCallian
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This Bargello rainbow pattern quilt was paired with Jessie Shephard, candidate for MO House District 111. Jessie raised over $2,500 with her quilt.
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"I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Sally Brooks and Barb Marco, founders of Quilts for Democracy, for their incredibly generous gift--a beautiful handcrafted quilt they made and donated to help support my campaign for Congress. This gorgeous quilt, in shades of blue, was more than just a piece of art--it was a symbol of community and the spirit of grassroots democracy. With their donation, we held a raffle and raised over $2,500 to support our efforts. I'm still blown away by the kindess and support this quilt represents. Sally and Barb, your time, talent, and belief in this campaign meant the world to me. I'll never forget it. And to everyone who entered the raffle and supported us--thank you from the bottom of my heart. This campaign was stitched together by people like you."
--Franklin Delano Roth II (Denny)
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"Running for an elected office is difficult in many ways for an introvert like me. One of the hardest things for me is asking for money. Quilts For Democracy has created an avenue of revenue for anyone willing to run for office whether fundraising is their strong suit or not. I own a coffee shop and bookstore, so QFD designed a quilt that fit my style. The bookcase/coffee/cat quilt they made and donated to my campaign was perfect for me to reach voters, and the highest quality quilt I've ever seen! The quilt was by far my best fundraiser. Many people searched me out so they could donate! Because of QFD, I was able to purchase the signs I needed for my campaign."
-- Andrew Eye Mineral Point, MO
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Quilt Application
for rural Missouri candidates
Follow Us on Facebook @ Quilts for Democracy-MO
and more pics of QFD in action
