United Way Tocqueville Society
The North Penn United Way Tocqueville Society was formed in March of 2006 to deepen individual understanding of, commitment to, and support of United Way’s work: advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. The Tocqueville Society recognizes local philanthropic leaders and volunteer champions who have devoted time, talent, and funds to create long-lasting changes by tackling our communities’ most serious issues.
Membership in the Tocqueville Society is granted to individuals who contribute at least $10,000.00 annually to the United Way.
Specifically, the United Way Tocqueville Society aims to:
- Change lives through philanthropic leadership by focusing on the building blocks for a better life: a quality education that leads to a stable job; income that can support a family through retirement, and good health
- Communicate the vital role of personal philanthropic action in creating long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of societal problems
- Enhance local recognition of long-standing service volunteers
- Foster philanthropic action and voluntary community service
- Expand high-level personal giving and United Way Major and Planned Giving programs of a high standard
- Strengthen local leadership development and Major Giving efforts by building upon cross-geographical linkages
- Prominently position the Tocqueville Society name and the United Way brand in an effort to stimulate the exchange of philanthropic ideas while maintaining a positive national quality image
Tocqueville Society History
Only 26 years old when he came to America in 1831, Alexis Charles-Henri de Tocqueville traveled extensively, recording his observations of life in the young nation. Though he only spent nine months in the United States, he gleaned an insightful view of American society. His observations, readings and discussions with eminent Americans formed the basis of Democracy in America, a detailed study of American society and politics published in two volumes, in 1835 and 1840.
Tocqueville recognized, applauded, and immortalized American voluntary action on behalf 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 a faithful support to one another,” eloquently capturing the essence of personal philanthropy that persists, almost three centuries later. The observation on philanthropy made by Alexis de Tocqueville in 1831 is true today; Americans understand that advancing the common good means creating opportunities for a better life for all. The name Tocqueville Society was chosen because of Alexis de Tocqueville’s admiration for the spirit of voluntary association and effort toward its advancement.
Tocqueville Step-up
The Haas Tocqueville Society Step-up Program offers matching funds for any individual to join the Tocqueville Society when he or she pledges a minimum of $5,000 with a commitment to move to the $10,000 donation level in graduated steps, within three years. The donor will be recognized as a Tocqueville Society member in the first contribution year.
| Tocqueville Step-up Match | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your Gift (First year minimum gift of $5,000) | $5,000 | $7,500 | $10,000 |
| Haas Match | $5,000 | $2,500 | $0 |
| Total investment for our community | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
