The society took its name from the French aristocrat who visited America in 1831 and detailed his observations in a widely read study of society and politics in this country. One trait that impressed him greatly was our penchant to help each other in times of need. Tocqueville recognized, applauded and immortalized the voluntary spirit that is uniquely American.

A dozen years after its founding, the national Tocqueville Society sanctioned regional groups and the first such organization was formed in Nashville. When Allen Favrot heard about it, he visited Dr. Tommy Frist, who spearheaded the Nashville effort, and a year later launched the Alexis de Tocqueville Society for the Greater New Orleans Area.

Sixteen generous individuals and families formed the charter group. Today, the Society has grown to more than 100 members who collectively contribute more than $2.3 million to the United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area.

The Alexis de Tocqueville Society for the Greater New Orleans Area counts within its ranks an exceptional array of leadership. Corporate executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, community activists and members of old and influential families are bound together by a major commitment of resources in support of the common good.

The one criterion for membership is an annual gift of at least $10,000. The gift must come from an individual’s personal resources or a living family foundation. Corporate gifts qualify only when the donor privately owns the company. Gifts from publicly held companies do not qualify for Tocqueville membership.

Million Dollar Roundtable
            $1,000,000+
National Society
            $100,000—$249,999
Order of Fraternity
            $75,000—$99,999
Order of Equality
            $50,000—$74,999
Order of Liberty
            $25,000—$49,999
Order of Independence
            $15,000—$24,999
Alexis de Tocqueville
            $10,000—$24,999