Project Advisor: Sammey Mihos, Senior Director
PPF Project Since: January 2025
Website: endseclusion.org
The Aging Mind Foundation was born from the personal experiences of founders Laree Hulshoff and Bill Booziotis, who witnessed close
friends struggle with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Their first major fundraiser in 2013, supporting the Center for Vital
Longevity at UT Dallas, honored Bob Wilson (father of actors Luke, Owen, and Andrew Wilson) and brought the issue into the spotlight.
That experience opened Laree’s eyes to the severe underfunding of Alzheimer’s research—and galvanized her to take action.
The foundation’s mission is simple yet powerful: To raise money for scientific research aimed at discovering the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. With a strategic focus on funding
innovative, science-based solutions, the organization seeks to change the trajectory of aging-related cognitive decline through better understanding, treatment, and ultimately, a cure.
The Aging Mind Foundation selected Players Philanthropy Fund (PPF) for their proven track record in supporting nonprofits with shared values. PPF’s infrastructure allows the foundation to focus fully on its mission while ensuring transparency and operational efficiency.
“Partnering with PPF allows us to focus on what matters most—advancing research— while they handle the financial and administrative operations with professionalism and care.”
AASR is committed to transforming how schools and other systems of care respond to behavioral concerns, particularly for neurodivergent and disabled students. Their mission is to inform changes in policy and practice to reduce and eliminate the use of punitive discipline and outdated behavioral management approaches and end the school-to-prison pipeline. AASR’s vision is a future in which all children are educated in safe, inclusive, and equitable environments – where diversity is celebrated, behavioral challenges are met with understanding, and interventions are rooted in compassion and evidence-based practice. They believe that by shifting mindsets, updating policies, and equipping educators with the right tools, lasting systemic change can be achieved to protect and uplift the most vulnerable students.
Since its inception, the Aging Mind Foundation has:
A recent grant contributed to a collaboration studying tauopathies—neurodegenerative conditions related to Alzheimer’s. Researchers credited the foundation’s support with enabling key discoveries that attracted broader investment.
PPF has played a crucial role in the foundation’s evolution, providing structure, professionalism, and support. From grant disbursements and compliance to donor acknowledgment and financial
reporting, PPF’s guidance has allowed the team to stay missiondriven.
“We had some growing pains, but we’ve now found a rhythm. PPF is reliable, communicative, and committed to our success.”
The Aging Mind Foundation has grown from a small, passionate effort into a respected nonprofit with a diversified donor base and a sharp focus on results.
In recent years, the team has:
Sammey envisions that PPF will remain an essential partner as the foundation scales its fundraising and collaborative efforts. Their administrative infrastructure builds donor confidence and ensures professional execution at every level. Having a trusted fiscal sponsor like PPF gives foundations the confidence and bandwidth to pursue bigger opportunities and deeper impact.
ADVICE FOR CHANGEMAKERS
“Start with a clear mission. Surround yourself with valuesaligned people. Don’t underestimate the importance of infrastructure. With the right fiscal sponsor, you’ll have the freedom to focus on strategy, partnerships, and meaningful progress. And most of all—stay open, listen, and evolve.”
Join the growing community of mission-driven projects that trust PPF to handle the administrative details while they focus on making an impact.
