Tocqueville Society

Inspired Individuals - Transformed Communities

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.

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.

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

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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.

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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.

Join Us

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.

About Tocqueville Society
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.”
A Message from Renee Moe, President & CEO, United Way of Dane County
“For the past 32 years of our 100-year history, 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.”
Tocqueville Society in Dane County
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.
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Member Spotlight

Greg and Jenelle Rademacher

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 United Way of Dane County is helping “move the needle.”

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 chance – Door County is often referred to as the “Family Happy Place!”

How much coordination and buy-in they have developed within the community. The ability to access and leverage the expertise, leadership and resources truly puts them in a unique position to tackle the most challenging issues.

With Jenelle’s background in pediatric nursing, early childhood development and kindergarten readiness have always held a special place in our hearts. A love of learning lasts a lifetime!

Our first philanthropic gifts were to the United Way workplace campaign at our first jobs (Copps Food Center). Greg was happy to continue his participation through Buttonwood Partners’ campaign, and we are excited to officially become Loyal Contributors in 2022.

Murali and Jayanthi Iyer

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.

The service rendered by United Way of Dane County makes a direct impact on the quality of life of the people in our communities. 

As newly-minted immigrants from India back in 1990, we benefited from the kind and generous generous support of the wonderful people of Wisconsin. Now, having been fortunate enough to build a life from scratch in this amazing country, we want to pay to forward to the maximum extent that we can. This is something all of us in our family have embraced as a result of our first hand experience as immigrants who remain grateful for the kind blessings bestowed on us.

The tremendous empathy for fellow citizens and the strong commitment to the community and country that we see among the youngsters makes us very hopeful about the future of our country in particular and humanity in general.

United Way brings like-minded citizens together in order to contribute to the overall welfare of our fellow citizens who might be at a juncture where they need a helping hand. 

What We're Up To

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.

Tocqueville Society Membership Dinner

Each fall, 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 household.

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.

Tocqueville Society Leadership

2023 Chair: Sean LaBorde
President at M3 Insurance
About Tocqueville Society
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.”
A message from Renee Moe, President & CEO, United Way of Dane County
“Our community’s highest and best expression is unleashed when every person in Dane County has the opportunity to realize their full potential. Tocqueville members invest at levels that enable this mission to scale up and build new and wider pathways for a more inclusive prosperity. They set the pace and inspire others through word and action. This work grows in reach and effectiveness when Tocqueville members say, ‘yes we can!’ We are grateful and our community is stronger because they do!”
Tocqueville Society in Dane County
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 Hiegel and Oscar G. Mayer, and today has grown to more than 240 households who have invested more than $64 million in our community.
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