In 1981, Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr. envisioned more than just philanthropy — he saw the possibility of an alliance of leaders stepping forward, shoulder to shoulder, to tackle Nashville’s most pressing needs. Alongside 27 other visionaries, he founded the Alexis de Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter, the very first of its kind.
What began in Nashville soon rippled outward, transforming how communities across the nation approached giving. Today, Tocqueville Society members have invested more than $10 billion in United Way efforts worldwide, including over $160 million in Nashville alone. These gifts are more than numbers — they represent revitalized classrooms, uplifted families and brighter futures.
Why United Way?
United Way of Greater Nashville unites many voices and organizations to solve complex challenges, operating with the efficiency of a business and the compassion of a community. Tocqueville donors help make this possible through annual gifts of $10,000 or more.
This model of collaboration and accountability sets United Way apart — and makes every Tocqueville gift an investment in real, measurable impact.
A Legacy of Leadership
The Tocqueville Society has grown to nearly 500 local members, who collectively invested $6.1 million in 2024. These gifts form the bedrock of United Way’s mission — essential to its core work and a steady source of hope for the community.
“The Tocqueville Society represents the very best of what it means to live united,” says United Way board chair Lee Blank. “Its members are not only generous investors, but also visionary leaders who believe in creating lasting change for our neighbors. Through United Way of Greater Nashville, we are able to connect their passion with meaningful opportunities — ensuring that every dollar, every hour, and every act of service strengthens the fabric of our community.”
Over the years, the Tocqueville Society Award has recognized those whose leadership and generosity have shaped Middle Tennessee. Past recipients include Martha R. Ingram, the late Annette Eskind and Dr. Frist himself, who received the Lifetime Achievement.
Passing the Torch
Philanthropy, at its best, is a family endeavor. Brooke Trusley, 2025 Nfocus Model Behavior recipient and former Tocqueville Society co-chair, embodies this truth. Following the legacy of Dr. Tommy Frist and the other founding members of Tocqueville Society, her twins co-founded Teens of Tocqueville, Alpha Chapter— the first of its kind nationwide. This new generation of hand raisers and changemakers is amplifying United Way’s mission through group volunteerism and fundraising, ensuring that the spirit of Tocqueville giving continues to thrive well into the future.
“I am mother to our twin daughters,” says Brooke. “Raising these amazing human beings has been the most important job I have ever had. My husband and I strive every day to lead our children by example and teach them to become servant leaders. The skills of being a parent certainly play a major role in how I approach serving with United Way Greater Nashville. We serve families as a family and that strengthens community.”
“The Tocqueville Society was founded by some of Nashville’s greatest community leaders and philanthropists,” says Alan Bean, the 2025 Tocqueville Society chair. “They had but one simple yet ambitious goal: to serve their community and leave it better than they found it. Today we are tasked with carrying on and even advancing that legacy, and I am honored to follow in their footsteps and accept that challenge.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the Tocqueville Society approaches its 45th anniversary in 2026, its mission is as urgent as it is inspiring. What began as a bold vision has grown into a living legacy — one that demands each generation build on the last.
“As we look toward the 45th anniversary of Tocqueville, we are reminded that this is more than philanthropy — it is a legacy,” says Erica Mitchell, United Way of Greater Nashville CEO and 2025 Nashville Post Most Powerful Women honoree. “Leaders like Dr. Frist showed us what it means to step boldly into the future, ensuring that every generation builds upon the last. Now it’s our turn to carry that torch forward, creating the next iteration of Tocqueville giving — one that empowers new leaders, strengthens our community and inspires the generations to come.”
Closing the Circle
In the 1820s, Alexis de Tocqueville observed that Americans care deeply for one another, especially in times of need. In 1981, Thomas put that observation into action. Today, the Tocqueville Society is proof of what’s possible when generosity meets vision.
Next year’s milestone anniversary will not only honor the past but also mark a bold step into the future..
To learn more about the Alexis de Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter, visit unitedwaygreathernashville.org/Tocqueville-society-alpha-chapter
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