What does it mean to be a Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) Awardee?
The Foundation is more than a funder — we strive to be a partner in the success of every funded project we support. MJFF works collaboratively with awardees from project launch through completion to support progress, problem-solving and scientific impact.
Awardees enter into a formal funding agreement outlining project milestones, reporting requirements, and specific terms and conditions for each project. Awardees must confirm they have not received overlapping funding for the proposed scope of work unless previously agreed upon. MJFF will also request confirmation of required regulatory approvals (IRB, IACUC, etc.) that govern the conduct of the proposed research.
Throughout the project period, awardees are expected to engage with the Foundation’s scientific and research staff regularly, through participation in regular progress check-ins and assessment meetings, as well as submit required progress and expense reports. In alignment with the Foundation's commitment to open science & research integrity, awardees must also promptly publish and broadly share MJFF-funded research findings in accordance with MJFF’s Open Science policy. Questions regarding open science requirements may be directed to openscience@michaeljfox.org.
My organization would like to issue a press release (or other promotion) around our project support from The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Is this allowable and if so, who do I contact?
Press or communication around MJFF grant funding can be issued once the grant agreement is fully executed and signed by both parties. Use of the MJFF brand (e.g., name, logo, image, etc.) in publicity efforts is permitted only if prior review and approval has been provided by MJFF. More information regarding the MJFF communication and publication policies can be referenced here, or by contacting press@michaeljfox.org.
Can funds be reallocated and/or carried forward from year to year?
Prior approval from MJFF is required for material budget reallocations (≥5% of the total award) and/or carryover requests. Requests to reallocate funds (e.g., shifting funds between equipment, supplies, personnel) must be submitted in advance to the assigned research staff and include a justification, an up-to-date expense report and details of the proposed changes. All proposed reallocations are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.
Requests to carry forward unspent funds from one project year to the next must also be justified and communicated to research staff, either through required expense reports or by email. Carryover approvals are evaluated individually, based on project progress and timeline.
Can I request a no-cost extension for my grant award?
Requests for no-cost extensions (NCEs) are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be justified. To request an NCE, awardees should log on to the MJFF Grant Portal and follow the instructions outlined in guidance provided here. Once submitted, the MJFF Grant Manager will be in touch regarding review and approval of the NCE request.
Can I apply for supplemental funding?
The Michael J. Fox Foundation considers supplemental funding requests on a case-by-case basis. Often, such considerations occur at the end of a grant when awardees have presented their final project results. Foundation staff may request supplemental proposals as part of the post-award feedback. Please note that supplemental funding is not guaranteed and "bridge funding" is not typically offered
Does The Michael J. Fox Foundation ever terminate funding?
Yes. MJFF will terminate funding when necessary. Reasons for termination are detailed in awardee contracts but may include improper use of funds or re-direction of funds toward activities not part of the project. The best way to avoid termination of funds is to contact research team staff before making any major changes to your project scope. In addition, some projects may include clear "go/no-go" milestones where if the milestone is not met, the project will be terminated. Such milestones will be discussed with the awardee at the time of award contracting.
What is The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s position on intellectual property (IP) related to projects it supports?
Every Foundation grant contract includes detailed IP and sharing policies, and grantees are required to adhere to these policies. MJFF acknowledges that discoveries made by researchers under its sponsorship are the property of those conducting the research and shall have the first opportunity to explore the research commercially or otherwise.
I'm moving. Can funds be transferred to my new institution?
Grant transfers between institutions require an acknowledgement from both parties and confirmation around the details of the personnel, work and/or funds involved. Unspent funds remaining at the original institution must be returned to the Foundation before additional project spending at the new institution may commence.