“In the United States, as soon as several inhabitants have taken an opinion or an idea they wish to promote in society, they seek each other out and unite together once they have made contact. From that moment, they are no longer isolated but have become a power seen from afar whose activities serve as an example and whose words are heeded.” — Alexis deTocqueville

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. In 2022, we welcomed 51 new Tocqueville Society members under the leadership of Tocqueville chairs Nelson Andrews and Sandra Morgan. Thank you to Josh and Brooke Trusley for chairing our 2023 cabinet.

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 five counties
• Connect with like-minded philanthropic Tocqueville Society members throughout the country

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.

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. New members can fill out and submit an online new membership pledge form here. Renewing members can fill out and submit an online renewal form here.

Why should I contribute such a large annual gift to United Way when there are so many other worthy causes?
You will be fighting to break the cycle of poverty, to give every child an equal chance, to meet our neighbors’ basic needs and to build strong, healthy communities. To do so, we convene the experts, the leaders and the donors. You will be helping to bring together the best ideas, most relevant data and enthused advocates (hand raisers like you) from all walks of life to create the best solutions for our community.

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.

History of the Tocqueville Society

2021 marked the 40th anniversary of United Way of Greater Nashville’s Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter. 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. 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. Visit the video archive where you can view recordings of previous events.