Tocqueville Society
Join Our Community of Changemakers
Our collective spirit of caring is what makes United Way of Dane County really work. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, together, we are connecting people to possibility.
Through gifts of $10,000 or more annually, Tocqueville Society members are creating real change for real families here in Dane County through the Plan for Community Well-Being.
Tocqueville Society Membership Provides:
- Knowing that your gift directly targets root causes, ensuring accountability and collaboration to address Dane County’s most pressing issues
- Opportunities to gain behind-the-scenes insights from experts into the challenges our community faces and what’s working to address them through conversational events with community leaders and regular email updates
- A place to build relationships with like-minded community and business leaders as well as opportunities to amplify the impact of your philanthropy through volunteer leadership
- Recognition of your generosity and opportunities to honor fellow philanthropic leaders at special events including our annual Tocqueville Society Membership Dinner
Tocqueville Society Step-Up Program
As Tocqueville members, we’re fostering growth, strength, and stability in our community. It all starts with a single gift, amplified through our network for maximum impact.
Donors who give $10,000 or more each year are members of Tocqueville Society. You can become a member today through the Tocqueville Step-Up Program, committing to grow your annual gift to $10,000 or more over the next three years.
Year 1
Gift of $5,000 or more.
Year 2
Gift of $7,500 or more.
Year 3
Gift of $10,000 or more.
Testimonials:
"Tocqueville membership is a great way to join with others to make a positive impact in our community. It’s a way to amplify the power of your gift, while also meeting some incredible people who share an interest in addressing the root causes of some of the toughest problems we face today."
Cheryl DeMars
Member since 2019, 2024 Tocqueville Society Chair
"Giving back to our community is core to our family’s values. We see combining our giving with other Tocqueville Donors as a wise way to have a large-scale impact on systemic issues facing Dane County."
Chris Copeland
Member since 2019, 2024 Tocqueville Society Vice Chair
"We care about so many issues from social justice to education, the environment to literacy and housing, among others…it can feel overwhelming to know where to give. United Way is a place where we can give and know that it is helping."
Maureen Easton
Member since 2023
La Table Ronde des Millions de Dollars $1,000,000 +
Ordre de Prospérité $750,000-$999,999
Ordre de Connaissance $500,000-$749,999
Ordre d’Indépendance $250,000-$499,999
La Société Nationale $100,000-$249,999
Ordre de Fraternité $75,000-$99,999
Ordre d’Egalité $50,000-$74,999
Ordre de Liberté $25,000-$49,999
Ordre Pour le Changement $15,000-$24,999
Membres de la Société $10,000-$14,999
Tocqueville Legacy Circle members have provided for our community’s future by endowing their gift for future generations.
Donors are listed in our Tocqueville Membership List, published bi-annually in our Tocqueville Membership Packet and at the Annual Tocqueville Dinner.
Tocqueville Cabinet:
Tocqueville Society recruits 8-12 members to lead the Tocqueville campaign each year. These volunteers meet with United Way staff to develop and implement strategies that strengthen and grow Tocqueville Society and meet donors’ philanthropic needs while raising resources to advance our community’s focus on family well-being. The Cabinet is led by a Chair and Vice Chair.
Tocqueville Stewardship Team:
Each year beginning in May, Tocqueville Society members receive calls from their peers in the group to thank them for their previous commitment and discuss future giving. You are invited to help with the outreach to renewing and prospective new members.
To learn more or to volunteer, contact Maggie today.
As a member of Tocqueville Society, you have already made an incredible investment in our community’s well-being. We invite you to make the next step and become a part of the Tocqueville Legacy Circle by endowing your annual gift and making an impact that will be felt during your lifetime — and for many generations to come.
How to Endow Your Gift
To perpetuate or “endow” your annual Tocqueville Society contribution, you would make a gift 25 times your annual gift. For example, if you wish to perpetuate a $10,000 annual Tocqueville gift, you would make a commitment of $250,000. Current gifts or a gift in your estate plan will be held in the United Way of Dane County Foundation, Inc. The income generated then pays your annual contribution. The most common ways to endow your Tocqueville Society gift include making a gift of cash or appreciated stock to establish a Named Fund and designating United Way of Dane County Foundation as the beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy or in your will. Many donors choose a combination of these options.
Options To Fulfill a Tocqueville Legacy Circle Commitment
Make a gift of cash or appreciated stock – in one or multiple payments. You can contribute cash or transfer stock to United Way of Dane County Foundation, Inc. to establish a Named Fund.
Designate United Way of Dane County Foundation, Inc. as beneficiary of a retirement account. You would work with your retirement account administrator to make this designation.
Designate United Way of Dane County Foundation in your will. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage or set up a contingency arrangement. You can modify an existing will to include United Way of Dane County Foundation, Inc. by adding a codicil or amendment.
Designate United Way of Dane County Foundation, Inc. the beneficiary of a new or existing life insurance policy. You can modify an existing policy or take out a new policy. If a new policy, you should work with United Way so that all premiums you make are tax deductible. Life insurance is a particularly good option for Tocqueville donors in their 30s or 40s as premiums are lower. United Way Life is a national program.
There are several ways to give; what’s best for you will depend on your personal and financial situation. We encourage you to consult with your financial planner and/ or attorney, and we’re happy to join the conversation as needed.
If you have questions about the Tocqueville Legacy Circle or wish to notify us of your plans, please call (608) 246-4399 or email foundation@uwdc.org.
Legal name: United Way of Dane County Foundation, Inc. EIN: 39-0817532