Tocqueville Society

The Tocqueville Society recognizes the generosity of individuals and families contributing at the highest levels of personal giving. These caring philanthropists exemplify an outstanding commitment to improving the quality of life within our community.

Since its inception in 1984, Tocqueville Society members have contributed cumulatively more than $128 million to United Way of Central Iowa. Last year alone, they contributed $7.3 million. These funds are strategically invested to create measurable and lasting change in our community’s most urgent issues.

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.

2025 Tocqueville Society Award:
Glen Hall (posthumously) & Todd Millang

Glen Hall (posthumously) and Todd Millang have been named the 2025 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.

Glen Hall's influence continues to impact United Way even after his passing. Hall demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment over many years, serving as a guiding force in both his company campaign and in the community.

“Glen Hall’s legacy is deeply embedded in the foundation of our community,” said Mary Sellers, President of United Way of Central Iowa. “Even in retirement and while facing significant health challenges, Glen remained actively engaged—joining our Legacy Circle in 2024 to ensure his impact would continue to shape central Iowa for generations to come.”

Todd Millang, the second honoree, has been a steadfast advocate for United Way for nearly three decades. A Tocqueville Society member since 2007 and contributor since 1997, Millang has held numerous leadership roles, including service on the Board of Directors, Campaign Cabinet and Tocqueville Campaign Committee.

“Todd Millang’s enduring commitment to United Way and his strategic leadership have made a profound and lasting impact,” said Sellers. “His dedication to mentoring future leaders and fostering a culture of generosity continues to strengthen our organization and the broader community.”

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.

Leave a Legacy

By endowing your gift for perpetuity, you will ensure United Way of Central Iowa is there to tackle our community’s challenges for the next 100 years. We work closely with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines so that you can manage your legacy securely and conveniently through the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program.

Volunteer

Tocqueville Society members are often as generous with their time as they are with their donations. United Way of Central Iowa offers excellent opportunities to give back as a volunteer throughout the year. Visit our Volunteer page to look for specific opportunities.

"Tocqueville Society members are central Iowa's most generous philanthropists who share a passion for making our community a place where everyone has an opportunity to thrive."