Raising awareness for a better tomorrow

For anyone venturing into the world of giving, philanthropist David Nicholson encourages them to consider three primary questions: What most excites you? Where is the greatest need? Where can the most significant impact be made? These questions guided David personally to invest in education and science.

Science is responsible for improving our quality of life,” David says, “From the wheel to electric cars to the COVID vaccines—all of these developments are because of discoveries in science and technology, so why not invest in the future?

Hoping to inspire others to give, David has generously offered to match donations up to $100,000 within Scripps Research’s 2021 I Love Science project.

Starting the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation in 1992 after successful careers in engineering, computer science and financial services, David was inspired to give back in honor of the military sacrifices made by his father Will Stiles and his stepfather William Nicholson. The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation began with the idea that students shouldn’t emerge from school without practical knowledge of how the real world works. David, a first-generation college graduate in electrical engineering, identified the lack of financial literacy in the U.S. and decided to make a difference through the foundation. But he didn’t stop there. He also noticed gaps in STEM education, so his foundation  began sponsoring K-12 community outreach programs, such as the MAD (Making a Difference) Scientist Awards.

“Everyone has a few defining moments that shape who they are today—the moments they continue to look back on throughout their lives,” David says. By investing in STEM education and partnering with Scripps Research, David seeks to provide more students with their defining moments—facilitating more hands-on learning experiences to spark curiosity, inspire passion and transform possibilities into reality.

As he continues to invest in science and education, David has identified another area of great impact, need and personal interest: neuroscience. Many of David’s family and friends have struggled with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s. David knows firsthand the devastating impact neurodegeneration can have on families: “When it’s up close and personal, you know you need to do something about it.”

“I believe neuroscience owns the next decade,” David explains. “We are just scratching the surface and are now at an opportune time to take advantage of breakthroughs in computing, artificial intelligence, big data, and neuroscience.”

As David sees it, philanthropy is ultimately an investment in the future...the future of our children and grandchildren. Investing in Scripps Research offers untold potential as new life-changing discoveries happen every day. “It’s crucial that we raise awareness of the needs in science and science education, as this pandemic has shown us,” David says. “We need to support and encourage all current and future scientists especially those working on the frontiers of science who have the potential to positively impact the quality of billions of lives.”