Get answers to commonly asked questions about donating to MJFF.

Thank you for your generosity in supporting our fight against Parkinson's. If you have questions about how to help, please contact us during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST) by phone at (800) 708-7644 or via e-mail to donations@michaeljfox.org. If you call or e-mail outside of business hours, please leave a message and we will respond the next business day.

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Is my credit card information secure?
The Michael J. Fox Foundation takes every precaution to protect our donors' information. When you submit sensitive information via the Web site, your information is protected both online and offline. We use the industry standard security protocol to communicate with your browser software, which makes it extremely difficult for anyone else to intercept the credit card information you send to us. Independent audits are also conducted on our practices to ensure the privacy, security and appropriate processing of your information on our site. In addition, we work to accurately process your contribution information.

Can I make a recurring credit card donation?
Recurring gifts are a wonderful way to support the Foundation's vital work. Please see our Make a Donation page, contact us at (800) 708-7644 or e-mail donations@michaeljfox.org and we will assist you.

My donation didn't go through. Why?
If you received an error message after completing your transaction, it is likely that information provided, such as the credit card identification number, did not match exactly with what is on file at your bank. For further assistance, contact us at (800) 708-7644, or e-mail donations@michaeljfox.org.

I want to make a credit card gift but I don't like submitting the information over the Web.
Although donating online is a fast and secure way to make a gift, there are several alternatives available. You can print out the Downloadable Donation Forms (PDF), fill out all information and mail or fax to us at (212) 509-2390. You can also call us at (800) 708-7644 and we'll take your credit card information over the phone. Or, you can mail your check to us.

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What percentage of my donation goes to Parkinson's research?
The Michael J. Fox Foundation strives to make every dollar count as we seek a cure for Parkinson's disease. We keep a sharp eye on expenses-from inception, 84 percent of every dollar we've raised has gone to research-related activity. The Foundation does not stockpile funds in an endowment, choosing instead to identify the most promising Parkinson's research worldwide and commit resources to it as fast as possible.

How can I find out more about the research my donation is supporting?
To learn more about the research we are funding, please visit Research Programs page.

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Can I make a donation in honor or memory of someone?
Yes. For more information about this process, please see our Honor and Memory Gifts page. The Michael J. Fox Foundation will mail or e-mail an acknowledgment card to your designated recipient or recipients informing them of your donation (the amount of the gift is not included). You will receive a gift receipt for income tax purposes.

I made a donation online (or a memorial/tribute gift) and now I have questions about it. Whom can I call?
Please call us at (800) 708-7644, or e-mail donations@michaeljfox.org.

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Does The Michael J. Fox Foundation issue tax receipts?
Yes, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax-exempt organization designated by the Internal Revenue Code. When you contribute to the Foundation, you will receive a charitable tax receipt for income tax purposes. Our tax ID number is 13-4141945.

When can I expect my receipt?
You can expect your receipt for your donation within one to three weeks from the date you send it in. If you make your gift online, your receipt will be e-mailed to you.

If you are making a recurring donation through your bank account or credit card, your contribution will be deducted automatically from the specified account on the day of your initial gift at the frequency you have selected. You will receive receipts following every donation for your tax and record-keeping purposes.

I donated several weeks ago. Why haven't I received a receipt?
This is not normally the case, so please call us at (800) 708-7644 or e-mail donations@michaeljfox.org with as much information about your donation as possible. It's possible we had an incorrect address for you, so when you call or write, tell us your full name as it appeared on your donation, your address, the date you made the donation and the amount. It is also helpful if we know how you made the donation: check, credit card, online, etc. And please include your phone number or e-mail address so we can respond as quickly as possible.

I can't find my receipt. Can I have another one?
We can send you a copy of your receipt. Please call us at (800) 708-7644 or e-mail donations@michaeljfox.org with your full name as it appeared on your donation, your address, the date you made the donation and the amount. Please include a phone number or e-mail address so we can get in touch with you if we need to.

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Does the Foundation sell, rent or trade donor information (e.g., mailing and e-mail addresses and phone numbers) to other agencies?
The privacy of our donors is very important to us and we do not share or sell this information.