The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3.6 million (2024)
• Total Assets: $60 million
• Grant Range: $500 - $10,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Palm Beach County, Florida (primarily Jupiter and surrounding areas)
• Application Method: Proactive grantmaking - no public application process
• Founded: 1992

Contact Details

Address:
4600 Military Trail, Suite 222
Jupiter, FL 33458

Phone: 561-743-4906

Email: djsn@stiles-nicholson.org

Website: https://stiles-nicholson.org/

Overview

The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation was established in 1992 by David J.S. Nicholson as a private family foundation honoring his father, William John Stiles (a WWII fallen soldier), and his stepfather, William Nicholson (a German POW survivor). With assets of approximately $60 million and annual charitable disbursements of $3.6 million, the foundation focuses exclusively on transforming K-12 education in Palm Beach County, Florida. The foundation's mission is "Empowering Innovation. Inspiring Leaders. Transforming Lives" through education initiatives designed to create "a better, more opportunistic America with equal opportunity for all." Led by founder David Nicholson, along with trustees C. Lynn Nicholson and LeeAnne LaBanz, the foundation takes a proactive approach to grantmaking, actively seeking out educational programs that align with their four core mission areas rather than accepting unsolicited applications.

Funding Priorities

Four Core Mission Areas

The foundation directs all K-12 funding to four strategic areas:

1. STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
2. Financial Literacy
3. Free Enterprise & Entrepreneurship
4. Educational Outcomes

Major Grant Programs

AI-Powered Learning Initiative
$2 million partnership with Palm Beach County School District to implement Khanmigo, an AI tutoring tool serving 90,000 students with personalized learning support and teacher assistance.

Florida Financial Literacy Educator Support
$1 million partnership with Next Gen Personal Finance providing $500 stipends to up to 2,000 Florida public high school teachers who complete 20 hours of professional development by December 31, 2026, supporting implementation of The Dorothy Hukill Financial Literacy Act.

FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute
$10 million naming gift ($9.22 million for neuroscience building expansion, $780,000 for ASCEND Program) supporting neuroscience research, the David J.S. Nicholson Distinguished Professorship in Neuroscience, the David and Lynn Nicholson Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, and the Stiles-Nicholson STEM Teacher Academy.

ASCEND Program
$85,000 to Florida Atlantic University's Brain Institute for Advancing STEM-community Engagement through Neuroscience Discovery, engaging middle school students across South Florida in neuroscience education.

M.A.D. Scientist Awards (Making A Difference)
Annual recognition and monetary awards for 50+ winners of the South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair (sponsored since 2010), honoring category winners and inspirational STEM teachers in Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches
26-year partnership as the largest private funder, touching the lives of 500,000 students through financial literacy classes and BizTown hands-on experiences. Founder David Nicholson received Junior Achievement USA's Bronze, Silver, and Gold National Leadership awards.

3DE Schools Pilot Program
Support for the 3DE (Three Dimensional Education) by Junior Achievement program at Lake Worth Community High School, a project-based learning initiative where students solve real-life business challenges, resulting in increased attendance, graduation rates, and proficiency in reading and math.

Pew Public Education Trust Collaboration
Financial literacy program through Palm Beach County School District, reaching more than 53,000 students since creation.

GoTeach Innovation Awards
Funding for GoTeach STEM and GoTeach Financial Literacy Innovation Awards through the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.

Teacher of the Year Recognition
Partnership with Palm Beach North Education Foundation awarding all 19 Teacher of the Year recipients a total of $22,000.

Priority Geographic Areas

• Primary: Jupiter, Florida
• Secondary: Palm Beach County and Martin County
• Tertiary: South Florida region

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's exclusive focus on K-12 education in their four mission areas suggests they do not fund:

• Higher education (beyond partnerships with universities serving K-12 students)
• Arts and culture programs
• Health and human services (except brain research related to education)
• Environmental causes
• International programs
• Capital campaigns unrelated to education
• General operating support outside their mission areas

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

David J.S. Nicholson - Founder and Chair
Born in York, England and raised in Ottawa, Canada, Nicholson holds an Electrical Engineering degree from Queen's University (Cum Laude) and an Honorary Doctorate from Northwood University-Florida. After working at IBM and Weyerhaeuser in production optimization, he became a financial markets professional at MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation before founding York Management & Research, Inc. in 1978, where he successfully managed hedge funds until 2000. Beyond the foundation, Nicholson has served on boards including Jupiter Medical Center Foundation, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, and South Florida Science Center & Aquarium.

C. Lynn Nicholson - Trustee
David's wife and former school teacher who brings educational expertise to the foundation's mission.

LeeAnne LaBanz - Trustee
David's daughter who serves as the next generation of family leadership.

The three trustees collectively contribute 34 hours of service weekly without compensation.

Leadership Philosophy

David Nicholson's approach to philanthropy centers on three guiding questions: "What most excites you? Where is the greatest need? Where can the most significant impact be made?"

Key quotes from David Nicholson:

• "Children are only 25 percent of our population but represent 100 percent of our future."

• "Science is responsible for improving our quality of life. 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?"

• "The biggest scientific challenge of today is to gain a better understanding of the most complex computer ever found, the human brain."

• "Philanthropy is ultimately an investment in the future...the future of our children and grandchildren."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation takes a proactive approach to grantmaking, with Executive Director Kate Arrizza explaining that the foundation "goes out and meets with tons of different programs and different people out in the community" to identify funding opportunities and assess "what kind of niche that we think would be great for funding."

Grants are awarded based on trustee discretion and strategic alignment with the foundation's four mission areas. The foundation identifies opportunities through community engagement rather than responding to unsolicited proposals.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's proactive approach, organizations working in K-12 education in Palm Beach County may increase visibility through:

Participate in Foundation-Supported Events

• South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair (sponsored since 2010)
• Junior Achievement programs and events in the Palm Beaches
• Education Foundation of Palm Beach County initiatives
• South Florida Science Center and Aquarium programs

Engage with Current Partners
The foundation has long-term relationships with:

• Palm Beach County School District
• Martin County School District
• Florida Atlantic University (particularly the Brain Institute)
• Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast
• South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
• Education Foundation of Palm Beach County
• Next Gen Personal Finance

Board Connections
David Nicholson serves on several local boards including Jupiter Medical Center Foundation, Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, and South Florida Science Center & Aquarium. Demonstrating impact in these networks may provide visibility.

Align with Strategic Priorities
The foundation shows particular interest in:

• Technology integration in education (e.g., AI tutoring)
• Scalable programs reaching large numbers of students
• Evidence-based approaches showing measurable outcomes in attendance, graduation rates, and academic proficiency
• Programs addressing real-world skills and career readiness
• Teacher professional development
• Multi-year partnerships with sustained impact

Decision Timeline

No public information available regarding decision timelines. As a private family foundation with proactive grantmaking, decisions appear to be made on a rolling basis as the trustees identify strategic opportunities.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Foundation Philosophy

The foundation prioritizes programs that:

1. Prepare students for real-world success through practical skills, financial literacy, and understanding of free enterprise
2. Leverage technology and innovation to improve educational outcomes and scale impact
3. Demonstrate measurable results in student attendance, graduation rates, and academic proficiency
4. Support teachers with professional development and tools
5. Create systemic change through partnerships with school districts and major educational institutions
6. Scale effectively to reach thousands of students (the foundation favors large-scale impact)

Evidence from Funded Projects

Successful grants have shared these characteristics:

Partnership-Based Approach: The foundation's largest grants involve collaboration with established institutions (Palm Beach County School District, FAU, Junior Achievement) rather than standalone programs.

Long-Term Commitment: The 26-year partnership with Junior Achievement demonstrates the foundation's preference for sustained relationships over one-time grants.

Innovation Focus: The $2 million AI tutoring initiative and $10 million brain institute investment show willingness to fund cutting-edge approaches.

Multi-Benefit Design: The 3DE Schools program exemplifies their preference - it addresses financial literacy, entrepreneurship, STEM integration, and educational outcomes simultaneously.

Teacher-Centered: Multiple initiatives (NGPF stipends, GoTeach awards, Teacher of the Year recognition, STEM Teacher Academy) reflect understanding that teacher support drives student success.

Geographic Considerations

The foundation shows strong preference for:

• Programs based in Jupiter or serving Jupiter students
• Palm Beach County-wide initiatives
• South Florida regional programs with demonstrated impact in their primary service area

Relationship-Building Indicators

The foundation values:

• Direct community engagement and visibility at local educational events
• Connections through trusted partner organizations
• Evidence of collaboration rather than competition with existing educational initiatives
• Alignment with school district priorities and state education requirements (e.g., supporting implementation of state-mandated financial literacy)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process exists - organizations cannot submit unsolicited proposals; the foundation proactively identifies and approaches potential grantees

• Think big and long-term - recent grants range from $85,000 to $10 million, with partnerships spanning decades; the foundation seeks transformational impact, not small projects

• Geographic proximity matters - focus is laser-sharp on Palm Beach County, particularly Jupiter; organizations outside this area are unlikely to receive funding regardless of mission alignment

• Partnership is paramount - nearly all major grants involve collaboration with Palm Beach County School District, FAU, or established educational nonprofits; standalone organizations face challenges

• Align with all four mission areas when possible - programs integrating STEM, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and measurable educational outcomes demonstrate strongest fit

• Innovation and scale attract attention - the foundation funded AI tutoring for 90,000 students and a neuroscience building; they seek cutting-edge solutions with broad reach

• Get involved in the ecosystem - visibility at South Florida Science Fair, Junior Achievement events, and Education Foundation of Palm Beach County initiatives may position organizations for consideration

• Demonstrate measurable outcomes - cite specific data on attendance, graduation rates, test scores, and student engagement; the foundation values evidence-based approaches

References

1. The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation official website: https://stiles-nicholson.org/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)

2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Stiles Nicholson Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/656103072 (Accessed February 12, 2026)

3. Candid Foundation Directory - The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=STIL018 (Accessed February 12, 2026)

4. "Stiles-Nicholson and NGPF $1 Million Grant Program to Support Florida Personal Financial Literacy Educators," Next Gen Personal Finance Blog: https://www.ngpf.org/blog/professional-development/stiles-nicholson-and-ngpf-1-million-grant-program-to-support-florida-personal-financial-literacy-educators/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)

5. "Stiles-Nicholson Foundation Gives $85K to Fund ASCEND," Florida Atlantic University: https://www.fau.edu/jupiter/news/stilesnicholsonfoundation-ascend-grant/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)

6. "$10 Million Gift to Name the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute," Florida Atlantic University: https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/gift-to-name-the-stiles-nicholson-brain-institute.php (Accessed February 12, 2026)

7. "David Nicholson: raising awareness for a better tomorrow," Scripps Research: https://www.scripps.edu/support-us/your-impact/donor-profile-nicholson/index.html (Accessed February 12, 2026)

8. David Nicholson profile, A Florida Promise: https://afloridapromise.org/people/david-nicholson/ (Accessed February 12, 2026)

9. "The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation," Palm Beach County Business Quarterly (Fall 2020), Issuu: https://issuu.com/passportpublications/docs/pbcb_quarterly_2020_v7-4_fall/s/11009082 (Accessed February 12, 2026)

10. Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast - Stiles Nicholson Foundation sponsor page: https://palmbeachtreasurecoast.ja.org/sponsor/stiles-nicholson-foundation (Accessed February 12, 2026)

11. Instrumentl 990 Report - Stiles Nicholson Foundation: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/the-stiles-nicholson-foundation (Accessed February 12, 2026)

12. "Palm Beach County School District set to roll out AI program in its high schools," CBS12: https://cbs12.com/news/local/palm-beach-county-school-district-set-to-roll-out-ai-program-in-its-high-schools (Accessed February 12, 2026)