Tocqueville Society

A transformative network of philanthropists driving bold solutions for lasting impact in our community. 

Tocqueville Society

Tocqueville Society members are part of a national program recognized as America’s leading philanthropists investing $10,000 or more annually in United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. Our members understand how generosity today impacts the generations of tomorrow.

Benefits of Joining

  • Recognition in the world’s largest individual giving society
  • Exclusive Tocqueville Society events featuring intriguing speakers, networking events, program tours, and volunteer engagement opportunities.
  • Philanthropic advising services to help you reach your charitable goals
  • Connect with like-minded philanthropic members throughout the country
  • Engagement with critical business and government leaders
  • Satisfaction of collectively impacting lives in Buffalo & Erie County

How to Join

Download our printable Tocqueville Membership Confirmation.

If you prefer to give through a Donor Advised Fund, IRA or to easily give the gift of stock, please visit our Ways To Give page.

Donate

Contact Us

Kristy DavisFor more information, please contact Kristy Davis at 716-863-9958 or Kristy.Davis@uwbec.org. Our major gift officers can assist you and your family in fulfilling your philanthropic goals. Our team is here to work with you in identifying a giving avenue that best meets your needs. Through your gift to United Way, you are creating a significant and lasting change in your community. We look forward to working with you and appreciate your support.

Mary Wilson standing up and smiling

Philanthropist of the Year

United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s Philanthropist of the Year is chosen through a community-driven selection process to recognize the extraordinary generosity of a person or couple who has made a lasting impact in Buffalo & Erie County. This award recognizes the achievements and contributions of those who have given their time, talent, and treasure.

We are proud to announce Mary Wilson as 2024 Philanthropist of the Year. Through her leadership in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and her personal commitment to our region, Mary is dedicated to empowering the next generation and helping to build a brighter future for Western New York.

Read more about Mary

Chris and Holly Nelson., Tocqueville Society Co-Chairs, with Trina Burruss, President and CEO of United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

2023 Tocqueville Society members

* Indicates current Tocqueville Society Chair(s)

  • Charles E. Balbach, Melissa Balbach, Teo Balbach
  • The Bennett Family
    Daryl and Shelley Bible
    James E. Biddle Jr.
  • Joan and David Bruce
  • EJ and Karen Butler
  • Michael T. Cervi
  • Daniel Cole
  • Paul R. Comeau and Victoria D’Angelo
  • Shawn and Amy Connolly
  • Paulette M. Crooke and Michael Toner
  • James H. Cummings Foundation
  • Frank and Robin Curci
  • Mary Anne and Ray Dannenhoffer
  • Sara M. Dayton
    Bradley Derrick
  • Mr. Douglas and Dr. Grace Dimitroff
  • Andrew and Teresa Dorn
  • Robert and Elizabeth Evans
  • Drs. Eli Farhi and Emily S. Friedan
    William and Patricia Frederick
  • Bodil and George Gellman
    Dr. and Mrs. Kevin J. Gibbons
    Josephine Goodyear Foundation
  • Peter Grogan and Christye Peterson
  • Pete and Jess Grum
  • Brian D. Gwitt and Bridget E. Niland
  • David T. Hore
  • Mr. and Mrs. James Houser
  • Peter and Mary Jo Hunt
  • John J. and Maureen O. Hurley
  • Jeremy and Margaret Jacobs
  • Alice and Jeremy Jacobs Jr.
  • Louis and Joan Jacobs
  • William and Anne Joyce
  • Dr. Kenneth R. and Linda A. Kahn
  • Ruth Kahn Stovroff
  • Drs. David and Emily Ets-Hokin Kaye
  • The Lawley Family
  • Brian and Deborah Lipke
  • Stanford and Judith Lipsey Foundation
  • Donald I. MacDavid
  • Charles and Karen Makey
  • Mary Kennedy Martin
  • The Marks Family Foundation
    Mary Kennedy Martin
    Frank J. McGuire Family Foundation
  • Jock and Betsy Mitchell
  • Trudy and Van Mollenberg
  • Carol and Carl Montante
  • Mr. Stephen J. Muscato and Ms. Theresa J. Muscato
  • Chris and Holly Nelson *
    Sanford and Margery Nobel
  • The Nobel Family Charitable Foundation
  • Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Papa
  • Jonathan Patrick
  • Richard and Karen Penfold
  • William Regen
  • Mr. and Mrs. William J. Regan Jr.
  • Kevin Reinhard
  • Luis and Jessica Rodriguez
  • Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Sadler Jr.
  • Ann Sessions
  • Timothy Shedler
  • Harris N. Snyder Fund
  • Dr. Thomasina R. Stenhouse
  • Robert and Chesterine Stevenson
  • Robert P. Thill and Elizabeth A. Moll Charitable Gift Fund
  • Joe Van Slycke
  • Phyllis Vogt
  • Jim and Michal Wadsworth
  • Ted and Ginna Walsh
  • Jack N. Walsh III
  • Eileen and Rupert Warren Charitable Fund
  • The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation
  • Mary and Ralph C. Wilson Jr.
  • Dr. Gil I. Wolfe
  • Margaret and Bob Zak
  • 7 members wish to remain anonymous