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FAQs: Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Research Support

For Current Grantees

  • My MJFF-funded research is (or will likely be) impacted by COVID-19-related issues, such as a lab closure or slowed trial recruitment. What should I do?

    All currently funded research projects have received a six-month no-cost extension (NCE). We would still like to understand your specific challenges. Please fill out our online form to let us know about your impacted project. Our team will respond with the options we have to address your issues. 

  • Can I request supplemental funding or an additional no-cost extension (NCE) from MJFF?

    We will work with you to manage COVID-19-related impacts to your MJFF-funded research. We can offer flexibility in terms of project scope and budget allocations but cannot offer supplemental funding at this time. Requests for additional no-cost extensions are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please fill out our online form to let us know about your impacted project. Our team will respond with the options we have to address your issues. 

  • Will MJFF extend deadlines for grant financial and other reporting requirements?

    If your institution is unable to complete and submit financial and research progress reports by their deadlines due to COVID-19-related issues, please fill out our online form and provide an estimated timeline for submission. MJFF will accept late reports but grant payments will be delayed until the reports are submitted and accepted.

  • My research lab/facility plans to reopen or partially reopen. Do I need to update MJFF on the status of my funded research?

    Yes. We ask that when you plan to restart your MJFF-funded research project (even if at only one of multiple organizations involved in the research) you contact us to discuss your plans and any changes to the project timeline and scope. To do so, please fill out our online form.

  • Does MJFF require any documentation before I can restart my funded research project?

    You and your team’s health and safety are important to us. We are asking grantees to affirm your ability to return to work safely. This includes following policies and guidance from your institution as well as local, state, and/or federal authorities to minimize COVID-19 transmission. To do so, please fill out our online form and our team will be in touch.

  • I was unable to submit my planned proposal for a recent open request for application (RFA). Is MJFF accepting new proposal submissions and holding grant application reviews?

    Yes, MJFF is continuing to review and fund research. Our most recent deadline for pre-proposals was May 14, 2020, and proposal review is now underway. We anticipate opening additional funding opportunities later this year. Visit the Funding Opportunities page for details, when available.  

  • Does MJFF intend to continue funding research during the COVID-19 pandemic?

    Yes. MJFF remains committed to our mission to accelerate Parkinson’s research and develop new treatments. We intend to fund as many Parkinson’s projects as feasible while taking into account the realities of COVID-19. This includes grants from programs already in review as well as future funding opportunities we plan to launch later this year. The exact timing of grant funding decisions is uncertain.  

  • I am unable to submit my invited proposal by the stated deadline due to COVID-19. Will there be an extension?

    We are sensitive to the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and the effect it is having on systems and personnel at all levels. If you were invited to submit a proposal, please let us know how your submission could be affected by filling out our online form as soon as possible.

  • I submitted a proposal—for funding or for use of biosamples—that is under review. Is review and/or award announcement going to be delayed?

    There may be minor delays in the review of submitted applications. Should those become significant, we will notify applicants. 

For Other Situations

  • MJFF has now canceled, postponed, or moved in-person 2020 events online. What should I do if I have unreimbursed expenses from previously scheduled travel?

    Please attempt to secure a refund or credit for any travel you booked personally. MJFF has handled all hotel reservations. If you booked your travel through Concur, you will need to log in and cancel your reservation. If you booked your travel outside of Concur, please cancel your reservation with the travel carrier. You can then submit your cancellation through Concur for reimbursement.

    Many carriers have adjusted their policies in light of the COVID-19 situation. If you are unable to secure a refund or credit, MJFF will review and reimburse the costs associated with your planned travel to an in-person meeting with us. The invoice and reimbursement request should be submitted through the Concur system. Please contact our research meetings and events coordinator at researchmeetings@michaeljfox.org for other meeting- or travel-related questions or concerns.

  • Administrative support is not available at my institution at this time, though clinical/laboratory facilities remain open. Will this impact my ability to continue to receive funding?

    Institutional closures do not affect MJFF’s ability to process payments. MJFF will continue to operate (remotely) and process payments, though it’s possible processing may be slower than normal as circumstances surrounding COVID-19 evolve. Please contact your institution if you have any questions about receipt of funds. If you have specific questions about your award, please work with your MJFF point-of-contact or fill out our online form.

  • I was recently approved to receive specimens through an MJFF-sponsored or funded request; will distribution be delayed?

    The biorepository reopened on June 1 and resumed shipments. They will continue to confirm ability for institution/investigator to receive samples prior to shipping. 

  • Is COVID-19 related testing being conducted prior to collecting, processing or distributing biosamples from MJFF-sponsored studies, including PPMI?

    Biospecimens in the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) biorepository have not been tested for any infectious disease, including COVID-19. All PPMI biorepositories and investigators receiving samples from PPMI biorepositories should use universal precautions when handling all samples, regardless of their potential for COVID-19 exposure.

  • Has the availability or shipping speed for MJFF-sponsored research tools been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

    Our distributors continue to create and ship research tools, though shipping times may be slower. Once you identify the tool you want from our Research Tools Catalog, visit the website of the distributor for up-to-date information.

  • Is there guidance for investigators involved in the PPMI study?

    For specific questions or matters relating to the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study and how it has or may be impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact ppmitransition@indd.org.

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