Tocqueville Society Brochure
Your Investment Transforms Lives
Every gift to United Way of Central Iowa is invested to improve lives right here in our community. Your generosity is amplified through a collective impact process that unites our community around tackling our toughest challenges.
As a Tocqueville member, you can elevate that work so that more of our students graduate from high school, more local families are financially stable, and more of our neighbors lead healthy lives.
2026 Tocqueville Society Award: Don & Mary Coffin
Don and Mary Coffin have been named the 2026 recipients of the Tocqueville Society Award.
To be considered for this award, one of United Way’s highest honors, past awardees look to Tocqueville Society members who exemplify inspirational, sustained leadership and service to the central Iowa community.
For more than 20 years, Don and Mary Coffin have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to strengthening central Iowa through their leadership, generosity, and service. Longtime supporters of United Way of Central Iowa and dedicated Tocqueville Society members, they have championed philanthropy and inspired others to invest in creating lasting change across our community.
"Don and Mary represent the very best of what the Tocqueville Society stands for," said Mary Sellers, President of United Way of Central Iowa. "Throughout remarkable careers in business and community leadership, they have consistently used their influence, expertise, and generosity to create opportunities for others. Their impact on United Way of Central Iowa, and on our community, extends far beyond their own giving."
Together, the Coffins have played a significant role in advancing United Way's mission through campaign leadership, volunteer service, advocacy, and philanthropic support. Their commitment to strengthening central Iowa will continue for generations through their enduring investment in the future of our community.
"Don and Mary have led by example throughout their careers, demonstrating the power of generosity, service, and community leadership," said Monica Friedman, Chair of the United Way of Central Iowa Board of Directors. "Their impact extends far beyond their own contributions because they have inspired others to become involved, give back, and help build a stronger community."
Tocqueville Society Co-Chairs
Benjy Klostermann and Tom Stewart are the Co-Chairs of the 2026 United Way Tocqueville Society campaign.
Become a Game-Changer
Tocqueville members are the game-changers who are fostering a thriving community in central Iowa.
In addition to creating lasting impact, Tocqueville Society members can:
- Meet and network with central Iowa’s most influential leaders and philanthropists
- Benefit from charitable giving tax savings (a great resource to contribute appreciated assets)
- Make a direct investment to impact the people of central Iowa with expert-driven strategies
- Share leadership, expertise, and influence through various committees and events
- Gain new business and career opportunities by demonstrating community leadership
- Give to causes you care about most in a way that significantly amplifies your impact
- Enjoy special society events including an annual celebration
- Annual recognition of all Tocqueville Society members in the Business Record
(See the 2024 Des Moines Business Record Recognition Ad)
Join the Tocqueville Society
You are invited to join the Tocqueville Society, an exceptional group of individuals and families who give $10,000 or more to United Way of Central Iowa each year. There are many options to grow your giving and create long-lasting impact.
Step-Up Program
The Tocqueville Step-Up Program starts with a minimum personal contribution of $5,000 in the first year, followed by an annual gift increase to reach $10,000 by the third year. You receive full membership benefits starting in year one. Click below to download the PDF enrollment form.