For more than 20 years, Tocqueville Society membership has represented gifts of $10,000 or more from individuals and couples. Recognized by United Way Worldwide as exemplary leaders in philanthropy, our Tocqueville Society members are part of a nationwide group of philanthropists who collectively give more than half a billion dollars annually.
Benefits of Tocqueville Society Membership
- Heart of Illinois United Way processes and pays charitable gifts by notifying agencies and sharing donor information (unless the donor wishes to remain anonymous).
- Heart of Illinois United Way helps vet charities to confirm 501c3 nonprofit status and provides philanthropic concierge services that can assess a donor’s philanthropic investments and areas of interest in order to develop a giving plan that meets individual needs.
- No fees for those following Tocqueville Society Membership Requirements (below).
- Tocqueville Society Members are invited to the exclusive, annual Tocqueville Society Reception and other Heart of Illinois United Way events.
- First look communications: Tocqueville Society members receive early communications about what is happening in our community through our quarterly newsletter.
Tocqueville Society Membership Requirements
Membership in the Heart of Illinois United Way Tocqueville Society starts with a minimum annual gift of $10,000 which includes a $5,000 minimum gift to the Heart of Illinois United Way Community Impact Fund.
- Donors who meet the $5,000 minimum investment in the Heart of Illinois United Way Community Impact Fund can designate their donation to any 501c3 nonprofit organization without processing fees (minimum designated gift is $250).
- Donors who do not meet the $5,000 minimum investment in the Heart of Illinois United Way Community Impact Fund have a 5% processing fee deducted from their 501c3 nonprofit designations.
Century Circle

In 2021-2022, the Heart of Illinois United Way celebrates 100 years of impacting lives in central Illinois. Tocqueville Society Members, who meet the membership requirements above for the 2021 and 2022 giving years, will be recognized in perpetuity as members of the Heart of Illinois United Way Tocqueville Society Century Circle.
2021 Century Circle Members*
Sid & Flo Banwart
Polly & Glen† Barton
Dr. Stephen & Patti Bash
Jane & Jim Beard
James W. & Jayne A. Benckendorf
The Bielfeldt Foundation
Jeff & Sue Bogdan
Eric & Becky Bursott
Charles & Judy Bush
Ron & Michelle Carrothers
Matt & Kris Coulter
Mike & Margee Cullinan
Seth & Sylvia Davis
Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat
Paula Dixon
Tim & Linda Elder
Daren & Patricia Epley
Daniel P. Gavin
Steve & Bonnie Gosselin
Seshadri Guha & Meenakshy Aiyer
Mark & Terry Hanback
Adam & Laura Hawks
Dean & Sara Heinzmann
Jay & Joan Janssen
Katie & Tom Jenkins
Bernie & Teresa Koch
Bill & Cathy Kwon
Stu & Nancy Levenick
Jonathan & Sharon Michael
Mark & Marla Miskell
Jeffrey & Chrissie Niedens
Doug & Diane Oberhelman
Jim & Katie Owens
Gerald & Christine Palagallo
Dave† & Zan Ransburg
Brian & Erica Ray
Bill & Kathy Rohner
Sid Ruckriegel & Andrew Rand
Leonard W. Sachs
Randall & Lisa Schrock
Kevin & Summer Sletten
Nancy L. Snowden
Mrs. Sally Snyder
Bill† & Margie Springer
Tom & Joy Spurgeon
Doug & Vicky Stewart
Craig & Ilean Thompson
Sandy Ullman
Jim & Katherine Umpleby
Patrick Urich & Brooke Spellman
Jay & Betty Vonachen
Matt & Lesley Vonachen
Zack & Carolyn Weaver
Karl & Jill Weiss Family
Chad & Beth Withers
Thomas & Jean Wyman
5 Anonymous Donors
†Deceased | *Century Circle Membership as of December 31, 2021
Emerging Tocqueville Society Members
Current members of our Pillars Society, including individuals and families who donate $1,000 to $9,999 annually to the Heart of Illinois United Way, who would like to be a part of the historic Century Circle can strategize with Heart of Illinois United Way leadership to develop a personalized three-year step-up plan to reach Tocqueville Society Membership status by January 2024 in order to qualify for Century Circle status. For more information, contact Stephen Peterson, Vice President of Resource Development at 309-674-5181, ext. 1232 or .
Legacy Circle: Support Heart of Illinois United Way into the Next 100 Years
To continue the positive impact of the past 100 years, the Heart of Illinois United Way invites donors to leave a legacy by including the Heart of Illinois United Way in planned giving arrangements. For more information, contact Stephen Peterson, Vice President of Resource Development, at 309-674-5181, ext. 1232 or .
About Heart of Illinois United Way Community Impact Fund
No matter how much you choose to invest in the Heart of Illinois United Way Community Impact Fund, your donation becomes a part of a community-wide effort to promote positive outcomes for children, families, adults, and seniors.
- 1-In-3 people in central Illinois utilize an education, financial stability, or health program supported by the Heart of Illinois United Way Community Impact Fund.
- Programs funded by the Heart of Illinois United Way Community Impact Fund must meet knowledge and behavior benchmarks (outcomes) set by the United Way; programs are evaluated year-round for how well they reach their outcomes, deliver services, utilize budgets, and engage staff and volunteers.
- Donations to the Heart of Illinois United Way Community Impact Fund improves the education, financial stability, and health of people in in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Stark, Marshall, and Putnam counties.