Tocqueville Society

Tocqueville Society members are paving the way for transformative change.

These local philanthropists are committed to making a measurable and sustainable impact for our neighbors in need.

The United Way Tocqueville Society is a national initiative inspired by Alexis de Tocqueville, who traveled the United States extensively in 1831 and observed the strong support for public welfare among citizens.

Local Tocqueville Society members support United Way of the Plains’ mission to create pathways to opportunity for all with an annual investment of $10,000 or more. Together, we are improving our neighbors’ health and well-being, helping young people realize their full potential, creating a stronger financial future for every generation and addressing the urgent needs of those in crisis.

Tocqueville Society fleur-de-lis icon.

“America has a long and rich tradition of generosity that begins with simple acts of neighbor helping neighbor.”

– Alexis de Tocqueville

BECOME A MEMBER

Annually, Tocqueville Society members invest $10,000 or more to help unlock the potential of our neighbors across south central Kansas through United Way of the Plains.

Membership Levels
  • Accelerating Partners: $10,000 – $24,999
  • Groundbreaking Partners: $25,000 – $49,999
  • Visionary Partners: $50,000 – $99,999
  • Transformational Partners: $100,000+

As members, you’ll enjoy invitations to exclusive VIP events, family-friendly volunteer opportunities, and private tours of funded partners to see your generosity at work. You’ll also receive ongoing updates about community challenges and how United Way is overcoming them with the help of your investment.

Step Up Program

United Way of the Plains offers the unique option that allows community leaders to step up to the $10,000 giving level by gradually increasing their giving over three years while being recognized as members of the Tocqueville Society in the first year.

  • Year one: $5,000
  • Year two: $7,500
  • Year three and beyond: $10,000 or more

Step-up members may choose to contribute more than $5,000 in the first year or more than $7,500 in the second year but must donate the full $10,000 in the third year.

Exclusive Designation Opportunity

Tocqueville Society members have the exclusive opportunity to designate a portion of their gift, without administrative fees, to support a specific United Way program or most health and human service agencies in our community.

  • A minimum of $5,000 remains with United Way of the Plains.
  • The charitable organization must be in United Way’s service area, including Sedgwick, Butler, Barber, Cowley, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Pratt, Reno and Sumner counties.
  • No administrative fee is taken from gifts forwarded to designated agencies. This means 100% of your gift is passed on directly.
  • If you designate to an agency currently receiving United Way funding, your gift will be in addition to that funding.
  • Designations must conform to United Way board policies regarding types of agencies supported.

“Being Tocqueville Society members is one of the ways we show our commitment to the community. We’re joining with other local philanthropists to make an immediate and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families who need our help.”

– Katie and Cole Spedale

JOIN TODAY

To join the United Way Tocqueville Society, enroll in the Step Up Program, or designate to a charitable organization of your choice as a member, contact Emily Juhnke, United Way of the Plains Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, at ejuhnke@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267‑1321, ext. 4213.