About the Society

The prestigious Alexis de Tocqueville Society is a national, philanthropic society honoring individuals who annually give $10,000 or more to United Way. Tocqueville members are individuals who understand the need to lead by example in their communities and their organizations.

Alexis de Tocqueville, a young French aristocrat, toured the United States applauding the voluntary spirit of American society.  His observations formed the 1835 work "Democracy in America", a detailed study of American society, culture and politics.  Perhaps his most important observation was that Americans helped one another in times of need. 

"I must say that I have seen Americans make great and real sacrifices to the public welfare; and I have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend faithful support to one another."

Over 50 outstanding community members now belong to the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of Greater New Haven. There are over 20,000 members nationwide and 398 local Tocqueville Societies in communities across the United States.

Frida's Tocqueville Story

Orders of Recognition

To distinguish Alexis de Tocqueville Society members who achieve higher levels of giving, special orders of recognition have been created to reflect the elements of democracy which Tocqueville admired in American Society: liberty, equality and the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor. These same elements are embraced in the French phrase: "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité."

For individuals contributing $100,000 or more to the Alexis de Tocqueville Society. Contributions at this level entitle donors to membership in the National Alexis de Tocqueville Society.

For individuals contributing $75,000 to $99,000 to the Alexis de Tocqueville Society.

For individuals contributing $50,000 to $74,900 to the Alexis de Tocqueville Society

For individuals contributing $25,000 to $49,999 to the Alexis de Tocqueville Society

For individuals contributing $10,000 to $24,999 to the Alexis de Tocqueville Society