Our Impact
Embracing high-risk ideas that have high-impact potential
Supporting Breakthroughs
In Dementia Research
We accomplish this urgent and audacious commitment through two strategic areas of focus: Toffler Grants and the Toffler Scholar program.
By focusing on providing funding and a network for future-focused approaches often considered too early and high-risk for traditional channels, we are driving forward meaningful solutions as well as the community of those who have the potential to create them for years to come.
6
Partner
Universities
14
Toffler Scholars
& Leadership Awards
$542,500
Funding Given
To-Date
The Toffler Scholar Program
Perhaps more than anything else we do at the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust, the Toffler Scholar program reflects the future-focused legacy of our founders, Alvin and Heidi Toffler. It is expressly dedicated to filling a support gap for promising young medical researchers, physicians, and scientists who are at a pivotal point in their careers. With funding and a vital, relevant network, recipients have the resources they need to continue their groundbreaking work and develop into experienced professionals.
Toffler Scholars are selected for their keen intellect, innovative thinking, meticulous planning, and demonstrated passion for their work. Through working on disparate projects across multiple areas, every Toffler Scholar is united in his or her goal to advance medical research and bring high-impact changes to all humanity.
Toffler Scholar Spotlight
Facilitating Parkinson’s Research
Adithya Gopinath, a graduate student at the University of Florida, became a Toffler Scholar in 2019. With funding support from the Toffler Scholar program, Adithya and his team developed a novel assay to detect markers of dopamine signaling in Parkinson’s patients. They plan to use this investigative procedure to study Parkinson’s progression over time. The team hopes this research will lead to new immune targets to help treat the disease. This development promises to enhance and facilitate future research into additional disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and addiction. Adithya is continuing this research as part of his Ph.D. work at the University of Florida.
Knowledge is the most democratic source of power.
― Alvin Toffler, Powershift
Toffler Grant Program
Through strategic annual grants, the Toffler Grant program supports medical research organizations that have demonstrated high-impact potential and a need for financial and network support. For those who challenge conventional thinking in the effort to create a healthier future, the Toffler Grant program is a path to the next stage of research, discovery, and impact.
Toffler Grant Spotlight
Speeding Vital Technology to the Market
The UCLA Innovation Fund speeds technologies from idea to market, bridging the funding gap between academia and industry. Their nontraditional research awards help projects advance to key milestones and support the commercialization of important technologies and medical advancements.
See a Bigger Picture
Passion and promise fuel our work, the work of those we fund and support, and the people in their lives.
Your involvement will change humanity for the better.