The impact of a United Way leadership gift cannot be overstated. The extraordinary generosity of our Community Leaders Guild and Community Builders opens doors to a better life for thousands of individuals and families in Sangamon and Menard Counties. If you are able, please join us as partners in making our community a better place to live, work, and raise children.
Community Builders
Community Builders is a recognition level for individuals and families contributing $500 to $999 annually to United Way.
Giving at this level demonstrates an exceptional commitment to our community. These contributions allow United Way to address the community’s most pressing human service needs.
Thank you to the hundreds of Community Builders in our region, and their commitment to our helping those in need.
Community Leaders Guild
Community Leaders Guild members contribute $1,000.00 or more annually to United Way. These individuals and families have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to our community, which means we can reach out to others who need assistance.
Although there is no level of recognition great enough to properly express the impact these families have, these individuals have our eternal gratitude for leading the way to a better community.
Learn more about each giving level below.
Alexis de Tocqueville Society members have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our community; giving $10,000 and more to United Way.
In May of 1831 a young Frenchman, Alexis de Tocqueville, landed in Rhode Island. His mission was to study America’s penal system. Over the next nine months, Tocqueville traveled nearly 7,000 miles, observing the great experiment called democracy. He discovered boundless selflessness, cooperation and volunteerism.
In his subsequent book Democracy In America, he wrote: "When an American asks for the cooperation of his fellow citizens, it is seldom refused; and I have often seen it afforded spontaneously with great good will."
It is in this spirit that the United Way of America formed the Alexis de Tocqueville Society. The Society is part of an elite national program whose members are recognized as America’s leading philanthropists.
Susan Lawrence Dana members have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our community; giving $7,500 – $9,999 to United Way.
Springfield heiress Susan Dana was a great contributor to our community. She gave generously to schools, orphanages, libraries and other important community needs.
Vachel Lindsay members have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our community; giving $5,000 – $7,499 to United Way.
An internationally admired poet, Vachel Lindsay literally spent his entire life trying to improve his hometown.
Abraham Lincoln members have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our community; giving $2,500 – $4,999 to United Way.
President Lincoln’s contributions to our country are well documented, as one of the most-admired Presidents in our nation’s history. He lived, practiced law and raised a family in Springfield, the city he loved most.
Elijah Iles members have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our community; giving $1,750 – $2,499 to United Way.
Elijah Iles was a Springfield founder, entrepreneur and our first developer. He was a constant contributor to the welfare of the community.
John and Mary Kelly members have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our community; giving $1,000 – $1,749 to United Way.
The Kelly family was among the earliest settlers of the Springfield area. They were credited with building the first cabin within official Springfield.
