2026 marks the 45th anniversary of United Way of Greater Nashville’s Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter. Since inception, Tocqueville Society members have invested more than $10 billion in the work of United Way worldwide and more than $160 million in Nashville. By partnering with United Way of Greater Nashville, you are investing in a community where every child, individual and family thrives.

In 1981, Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. envisioned an alliance of community and business leaders who would work collectively to address our community’s most pressing needs. He partnered with 27 other Nashville visionaries to create the Alexis de Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter. Through annual gifts of $10,000 or more, Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter donors create a strong foundation for our community so that every child, individual and family thrives.

Congratulations to Phil Billington, Sandra Morgan, and Joe Steakley, 2025 Tocqueville Award Winners.

Benefits of Joining

• Recognition in the world’s largest individual giving society
• Invitation to all exclusive Tocqueville Society events
• Engagement with Greater Nashville’s critical business and government leaders
• Satisfaction of collectively impacting lives in nine counties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of a Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter membership?
Tocqueville Society members improve the lives of our neighbors through extraordinary financial gifts, volunteerism and advocacy. As a Tocqueville Society member, you have an influential role in solving the problems facing our community. View our brochure here.

Hear from some of our members about why they give, here.

What is the cost of joining and when is my payment due?
Members of the Tocqueville Society commit to a minimum gift of $10,000 annually and may designate any amount above this annual gift to another organization. Gifts pledged during a campaign year are payable by the end of the following calendar year. You can also make a grant through your Donor Advised Fund (DAF).

What is the impact of my gift to the United Way?
By bringing together diverse voices and resources, we knit the community together in a way no single organization can to develop, fund and scale collective solutions that attack our community’s most pressing problems at their roots.

Does the Tocqueville Society offer a matching program?
We offer a three-year step-up program that allows immediate membership in the Tocqueville Society in the first year. Many corporate partners offer matching programs for their employees in addition to the United Way program. Ask to see if your company has a match.

Top Tocqueville Society Companies

The following companies led in total number of Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter members within their company.

Tocqueville Archives
Visit the video archive where you can view recordings of previous events.