Tocqueville Society

Tocqueville Society
In the spirit of 19th century French philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville, Tocqueville Society members improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people through contributions to United Way. Last year, 439 donors to United Way of Greater Milwaukee made gifts of $10,000 or more. These gifts totaled more than $12.9 million. The Tocqueville Society is a key part of United Way’s ability to meet our community’s needs.

Tocqueville Society Membership Criteria
1. Make a total contribution of $10,000 or more.
2. Direct at least $6,000 of your gift to United Way and its community initiatives (section three on your Tocqueville pledge form).
3. No more than half of your total contribution may be directed to non-member organizations.

2011 Tocqueville Pledge Form

Tocqueville Society Member Benefits

  • Making a positive difference in your community.
  • Convenience of meeting a variety of community needs with one gift and one payment process.
  • Invitation to the annual Tocqueville Society cocktail party and additional events.
  • Expedited designation processing with no fees.
  • Recognition in the local Leadership Registry, Tocqueville brochure, and in United Way of America’s National Tocqueville Registry.


Tocqueville Society Membership Levels
Tocqueville Society members are recognized in the Leadership Registry and in the Tocqueville brochure in the following categories.  Members may choose to be anonymous. Members may additionally be recognized as part of the Women’s Initiative and/or the Emerging Leader program.

  • Guardian: $10,000 to $24,999
  • Champion: $25,000 to $49,999
  • Sustainer: $50,000 to $99,999
  • Jane Bradley Pettit Society: $100,000+

Please Consider Increasing Your Support of United Way
Support United Way’s goal of creating long-lasting change by addressing our community’s most serious problems through providing access to high-quality basic needs services and breaking the cycle of poverty.

United Way’s strategy is to focus on three critical issue areas, Education, Income and Health – the building blocks to a good life.

Giving to United Way itself (as opposed to designating to agencies) is the best way to meet many critical human service needs with one easy contribution. All funded programs are carefully selected and monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure results.

United Way of Greater Milwaukee is recognized by both Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau for excellent financial accountability.

The Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Community Impact Challenge matches new and increased gifts to United Way (section three on the pledge form) from Tocqueville Society members.

Designating to Agencies
As a service to donors, United Way forwards designations to eligible health and human service agencies.

  • As a Tocqueville Society member 100% of your designated amount is forwarded to your agency within approximately 30 days of receipt of your designation list.
  • No fees are assessed to your designation. The agency receives the entire amount of your designation in addition to any allocations they already receive from United Way.
  • Pledge payment is not required prior to our distribution of designations.
  • You will receive one tax statement documenting all your charitable health and human service contributions.

Eligible Agencies
There are more than 1,000 eligible agencies. Any agency listed on the pledge form is eligible. Additionally, almost all 501(c)(3) organizations whose primary focus is health and human service, and who help people in our local area, are eligible. If you select an ineligible agency, United Way will contact you as soon as possible to make arrangements for re-directing or refunding that portion of your gift.

Can I give to a capital campaign?
For Tocqueville members only, payments to capital campaigns of United Way member agencies are eligible.

Can I give to a school?
United Way honors contributions by Tocqueville members to approved urban elementary and secondary schools as part of the “other eligible designations” group. Schools must be accredited, provide health and human service programs, and be located within areas of current United way programs. 50% or more of students must qualify for free and/or reduced lunch. Approved schools include:
Lynde & Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School
Bruce Guadalupe Community School
Clarke Street Elementary School
Harambee Community School
Highland Community School
Milwaukee College Preparatory School
Messmer High School
Messmer Preparatory School
Nativity Jesuit Middle School
Notre Dame Middle School
Riverside University High School
St. Joan Antida High School
St. Marcus Lutheran School
Urban Day School
West Side Academy I
West Side Academy II
YMCA Youth Leadership Academy

If I designate to a specific agency, how am I recognized for my contribution?
Unless you ask us not to release your name, agencies will be notified of your gift. You will be recognized by the agency for the dollars you directed to them, and you will be additionally recognized by United Way for your total campaign contribution.
 
My campaign uses United eWay (online pledging).  How do I pledge?
You may use online pledging or the paper Tocqueville Society form. Either way, your gift will count as part of your workplace campaign total and you will be recognized for your giving level.
 
Tocqueville Society Events
The annual Tocqueville Society cocktail party is a popular and well-attended thank you event.  The 2011 party will be held on September 13.  Please save the date.  Tocqueville members are also invited to other campaign events, such as the kickoff and the closing celebration.

For more information about United Way’s Tocqueville Society, please contact Nicole Emer, Senior Manager of Major Gifts, at (414) 263-8118.

 

©2011 United Way of Greater Milwaukee