Our Mission
To advance awareness, education, and equitable access to dementia-related resources for individuals and families, with a focus on Lewy body and Parkinson’s-related dementias in underrepresented and global communities.
Our Vision
A future where every person, regardless of background or income—has access to compassionate, culturally responsive dementia education, care, and community support that preserves dignity and inspires hope.
We Believe in The Power of compassion, education, and community to transform lives and honor every story with dignity.
About Polly Foundation
The Polly Foundation exists to confront the growing impact of dementia by supporting the individuals, families, and communities who live with its challenges every day. While our work spans the full spectrum of dementias, we maintain a focused commitment to Lewy body and Parkinson’s-related dementias, conditions that are often misunderstood, under-recognized, and underserved.
Dementia is not only a medical condition; it is an emotional, social, and financial burden that many families must navigate with limited guidance. Too often, individuals and caregivers face this journey without the knowledge, support, or resources they need. Polly Foundation was created to change that.
Lewy body dementia presents unique and complex challenges, frequently leading to delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, and heightened caregiver strain. Through education, community partnership, and storytelling, the Foundation works to improve understanding, encourage earlier recognition, and expand access to dependable memory care and caregiver support—particularly in communities that face the greatest barriers to care.
Our work centers on:
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Education and awareness to help individuals and families recognize symptoms, navigate care, and act with confidence
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Caregiver support initiatives that reduce isolation, burnout, and uncertainty
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Community-based programming that addresses disparities in access to dementia-related resources
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Storytelling and documentation that honor lived experience and elevate underrepresented voices
The Polly Foundation is named in honor of Valerie “Polly” Allen, whose life embodied compassion, resilience, and care for others. Her journey with Lewy body dementia revealed both the profound impact of the disease and the urgent need for stronger systems of support. Her legacy shapes our belief that every person deserves informed care, compassionate guidance, and dignity throughout every stage of memory loss.
We are committed to transforming how dementia is understood, approached, and supported, one family, one community, and one story at a time.
Because memory matters, and so does the care that protects it.
What We Do
The Polly Foundation works to expand access to dementia education, caregiver support, and community-centered resources. Our programs focus on three core areas:
(1) Community Brain Health Education
We provide accessible workshops and educational resources to increase understanding of dementia, early recognition, caregiving strategies, and modifiable risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Programming is designed to support families, caregivers, and communities seeking practical guidance within a non-clinical, public health–focused framework. Educational materials emphasize clarity, cultural relevance, and connection to trusted local care pathways.
(2) Professional Learning & Collaboration
Through partnerships with academic and medical institutions, the Polly Foundation provides financial support for scholars and trainees to participate in CME courses, specialized training, and fellowship programs focused on dementia and related conditions. By helping offset tuition and travel costs, we aim to make advanced professional education more accessible to individuals pursuing work in aging, brain health, and memory care. These partnerships strengthen knowledge exchange and contribute to improved continuity of care across settings.
(3) Emerging Voices & Workforce Support
We support students and early-career professionals interested in careers dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and care of dementia-related diseases. This includes medical, nursing, public health, and allied health trainees preparing to specialize in neurology, geriatrics, or cognitive care. Through professional development mentorship, scholarships, and engagement opportunities, we help strengthen the pipeline of future clinicians, researchers, and advocates equipped to advance brain health and improve outcomes for aging populations.
Why It Matters
Dementia is one of the fastest-growing public health challenges worldwide, yet too many individuals and families face it without timely recognition, clear information, or adequate support. Lewy body dementia, in particular, is frequently misdiagnosed or misunderstood, leading to delays in care and unnecessary suffering for those affected and those who care for them.
At the same time, chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke—all of which increase dementia risk—remain disproportionately under-addressed in vulnerable and underserved communities. Gaps in education, access, and culturally responsive care continue to widen disparities in how dementia is identified, managed, and supported across populations.
Globally, there is also a critical shortage of professionals trained to recognize neurodegenerative conditions early and respond effectively within real-world, community-based settings.
The Polly Foundation works to address these challenges by expanding education, strengthening professional learning pathways, and improving access to dementia-related resources where they are needed most. Our goal is simple: to ensure that individuals, families, and communities have the knowledge, support, and dignity they deserve when facing dementia.
Blue Dahlia Thanksgiving GalaThu, Nov 19Los Angeles, CA
Behind the Blue Dahlia Gala
The Blue Dahlia Thanksgiving Gala is more than an evening of elegance, it is a reflection of the Polly Foundation’s commitment to dignity, education, and compassionate support for individuals and families affected by dementia.
The Gala brings together community leaders, scholars, caregivers, advocates, and supporters to advance the Foundation’s mission of expanding dementia education, strengthening caregiver support, and improving access to resources across communities. Proceeds from the evening support public health education initiatives, professional learning pathways, and workforce development efforts focused on brain health and dementia-related conditions.
The event also serves as a moment to honor the legacy of Valerie “Polly” Allen, whose life and journey continue to inspire the Foundation’s work. Her story reminds us that dementia is not only a medical challenge, but a deeply human one—shaping families, communities, and generations.
Through the Blue Dahlia Thanksgiving Gala, Polly Foundation invites its supporters to come together in gratitude and purpose, reaffirming a shared commitment to understanding, compassion, and hope in the face of dementia.
Program and Initiatives
The Polly Foundation advances its mission through education, workforce development, and community engagement.
We invite you to learn more about our initiatives and support the work that aligns with your interests.
Community Learning & Outreach
Our programs emphasize education, prevention, and access to trusted resources through culturally responsive, non-clinical engagement.
Emerging Voices & Workforce Development
Through professional development mentorship, exposure opportunities, and targeted support, we help early-career professionals and students navigate pathways in dementia care, research, public health, and advocacy.
Scholar Recognition & Awards
Scholar recognition supports emerging leaders advancing dementia education, research, and community impact
Signature Events
Signature events bring together supporters and community leaders to advance dementia education, recognition, and engagement.
Caregiver Resilience & Well-Being Initiative
Caregiver resilience programs support education, connection, and well-being for individuals caring for loved ones with dementia.
Senior Healthy Food Access Program
The Healthy Living Food Box for Seniors improves access to nutritious food for older adults facing food insecurity.
One Act.
Endless Impact.
Your generosity fuels hope, transforms futures, and strengthens the communities we serve.
The Polly Foundation is dedicated to bringing hope, resources, and opportunity to the communities we serve. From improving access to care and education to creating programs that uplift and empower, our mission is to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Your gift today helps us lay the groundwork for these initiatives and ensures we can move quickly to serve where the need is greatest.
You’ll complete your gift securely on Network for Good.