Our Story

In 2024, Heather and her daughter launched Donuts+Democracy with a simple mission—increase young voter turnout by providing donuts to pro-democracy, pro-choice student organizations hosting voter registration and get-out-the-vote events on college campuses across competitive states.

What started as an idea became a movement. Thanks to our incredible donors, we partnered with powerhouse student organizers from NAACP, Voters of Tomorrow, College Democrats, Keep Arizona Blue, Students Demand Action, and Planned Parenthood. (We also could not have done it without our friends who jumped in and brought big mom and big sister energy to help us cross the finish line.)

The results were amazing (surprising even us!), and proof that sometimes the smallest gestures can spark the biggest changes. Because when democracy wins, we all win.

Our Why

We believe young voters deserve the brightest future and we know they have the power to decide elections and influence policies that matter to them. But outdated get-out-the-vote strategies often fail to reach these young voters.

Donuts+Democracy offers a simple, cost-effective GOTV strategy that engages, educates, and empowers young voters - one donut, one conversation at a time.

Our Results

In 2024 - 2025 (our first year!), we:

  • Hosted 455 voter registration, education and GOTV events on 146 college campuses in 22 states with competitive elections.

  • Registered, educated and mobilized more than 114,000 students.

  • Partnered with 100+ youth GOTV organizations including NAACP, Voters of Tomorrow, College Democrats, Planned Parenthood, Students Demand Action, Keep AZ Blue, When We All Vote/My School Votes and other student-led groups.

  • Boosted voter engagement by 10X on average.

Our Strategic Pillars for 2026 

  • Engage, educate, energize and register young voters by meeting them where they are with opportunities for fun, connection, belonging, and purpose.

  • Empower student organizers with year-round support—everything from donuts and materials to speakers and training—enabling them to create bold, creative events that build authentic, campus-wide relationships.

  • Build inclusive coalitions by partnering with pro-democracy, pro-choice student groups, including debate clubs, mock trial teams, art collectives, faith organizations, identity-based groups, and Greek life.

Two women standing behind a table with assorted candies, cookies, and a large bright green sign that reads "Plan to Vote? Have a Donut!" in front of a stone building and trees.