Who We Are

The Tocqueville Society is a network of more than 275 households across Dane County working together to create transformative, positive change in our community. We are philanthropic leaders dedicated to tackling the toughest issues facing our neighbors, leveraging our support of United Way to amplify our impact many times over.

What We Do

Through gifts of $10,000 or more annually, Tocqueville Society members invest in making Dane County a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We create real change for local families through the Plan for Community Well-Being. A few times a year, we gather to learn and connect as a community. Some Tocqueville households also volunteer their time.

A Message from Renee Moe

President & CEO, United Way of Dane County

“Tocqueville leaders have played a catalytic role in helping United Way of Dane County accelerate meaningful, measurable change. From increasing literacy and graduation rates to decreasing family homelessness, Tocqueville members trust and empower United Way to bring the many voices of Dane County together to solve big-picture issues that no one person or organization can address alone. Thank you. We are so grateful for your partnership as we launch into the next century of innovation and impact for our community.”

A GIFT TO INSPIRE MORE GIVING:

DAN & PATTI RASHKE (TASC) FAMILY FOUNDATION MAKE A LASTING INVESTMENT IN DANE COUNTY.

Upcoming Events

United Way Foundation

The United Way Foundation exists to support United Way’s mission of improving lives and strengthening Dane County. Through the Foundation, individuals and families can leave a lasting legacy of caring.

Learn More

Latest Stories

Building a Legacy of Family Philanthropy: Reflections from Our August Tocqueville Conversation

2025 Tocqueville Society Honoree: Thomas A. Walker

Meet Carli Freidel: United Way’s New Vice President of Resource Development

Loyal Contributor Spotlight: Mark Koehl

With your investment of $10,000+ annually, we can provide:

underprivileged children with a laptop, software and internet connectivity to foster increased access to learning and education in an at-home environment.

Learn more about United Way and education here.

low-income families with housing assistance to prevent eviction and entry/return to homelessness.

Learn how United Way is working to improve financial stability in Dane County.

individuals with new patient exams and vaccinations.

Learn how United Way helps provide access to affordable quality primary, dental and behavioral health care.

About Tocqueville Society

Tocqueville Society was created by United Way nationally in 1984 to celebrate the legacy of Alexis de Tocqueville. His 1835 book Democracy in America celebrated the impact of North American volunteerism and giving for the sake of the common good. He wrote: “I must say that I have seen Americans make a great deal of real sacrifices to the public welfare; and have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend faithful support to one another.” Today, 400 Tocqueville Societies across the network connect nearly 25,000 like-minded philanthropic leaders who invest more than $529 million annually.

Tocqueville in Dane County

In Dane County, Tocqueville Society was launched in 1990 by Jerry M. Hiegel and Oscar G. Mayer, and today has grown to 260 households who have invested more than $77.6 million in our community. These resources have been invested in effective community strategies, increasing literacy and graduation rates, decreasing family homelessness, increasing pathways to family sustaining wages and much more.