Tocqueville Society
Our Impact
Tocqueville members are the driving force of United Way’s mission. Annual gifts of $10,000 or more make up nearly one quarter of all money raised by United Way of Dane County. Your support is leveraged many times over as United Way convenes the community to tackle the toughest issues, collaborate on key initiatives and measure results through community-wide metrics.
Our Purpose
We are a network of over 250 households in Dane County committed to transformative change. We join together to accelerate and amplify the work of United Way creating a community where everyone can succeed in school, work and life. Help us reach more families working toward stability.
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.
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.
Greg and Jenelle Rademacher
Why did you invest in United Way of Dane County? We feel that United Way's thoughtful, data-driven approach leads to better results. The challenges in our world are great, and so we are seeking the greatest impact possible from our charitable investments. We're confident that the Untied Way of Dane County is helping "move the needle" Tell us about your family? The Rademacher Family is Greg, Jenelle, Jackson, Payton and Tristan. We both grew up in the Green Bay area and, after earning degrees from UW, made Madison our official home. Our kids will be entering 11th, 9th, and 6th grade in the Middleton district, and the family calendar is driven primarily by baseball and soccer schedules. We love to travel when we get the change - Door County is often referred to as the "Family Happy Place!"
Murali and Jayanthi Iyer
Why does United Way of Dane County matter to you? The service rendered by United Way of Dane County makes a direct impact on the quality of life of the people in our communities. Tell us about your family? Jayanthi and I have been married for 36 years, and have been blessed with two children who we are happy to see have developed a caring and empathetic nature. Our son Ajit is married to Elizabeth, and they have a 1-year old son Aakash who is the center of our family's universe! Ajit works for SubZero as a data analyst. Our daughter Divya is a sophomore at Marquette, currently on the path to attain a Journalism & Communication degree.
Join Us
Tocqueville Society was created by United Way nationally in 1984 to celebrate the legacy of Alexis de Tocqueville, whose 1835 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.”
Your membership in Tocqueville Society reflects your commitment that advancing the common good means creating opportunities for a better life for all. In Dane County, Tocqueville Society was launched in 1990 by Jerry M. Hiegel and Oscar G. Mayer, and today has grown to over 250 households who have invested more than $73 million in our community.
Tocqueville Society Membership Means:
Strategic giving that targets root causes, ensures accountability and collaboration and addresses our community’s most pressing issues.
Access to insights about what’s working and what’s changing as we help families grow their well-being and maximize their potential.
Opportunities to volunteer alongside others to amplify the impact of your philanthropy.
Relationships with community and business leaders who value servant leadership.
Recognition of your generosity to inspire others to join in as well as invitations to special events.
Thinking about a deep investment in United Way? We’d love to talk.
Contact Maggie Porter Kratz at maggie.porterkratz@uwdc.org or (814) 777-4896
Frequently Asked Questions
Tocqueville Conversation Series
Join us over lunch, for networking and conversation designed to inform and inspire. Programs feature remarks by United Way President & CEO, Renee Moe, and a keynote by business and philanthropic leaders.
Save the Date! Tocqueville Society Membership Dinner
On Tuesday, October 8, we gather to celebrate the impact our United Way Tocqueville Society gifts have on the Dane County community. We also honor and celebrate the philanthropy and commitment to our community of a member.
United Way of Dane County Foundation
Gifts to United Way of Dane County Foundation extend your legacy of effective, local philanthropy. Our Foundation advances United Way's mission to improve lives through key initiatives in education, financial stability and health... today and for future generations.
Strategic giving that targets root causes, ensures accountability and collaboration and addresses our community’s most pressing issues.
Insights about what is working through quarterly email updates and events.
Opportunities to volunteer alongside others to amplify the impact of your philanthropy.
Relationships with community and business leaders who value servant leadership.
Recognition of your generosity as well as invitations to special events.
We’re looking forward to recognizing you in person at our Annual Tocqueville Society Dinner in the fall!
How to Join: Tocqueville Society is a network of invested and compassionate leaders who are focused on understanding Dane County’s critical issues and creating measurable, lasting impact. Donors who give $10,000 or more each year are members of Tocqueville Society.
Consider becoming 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.
Sign up today.
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