Alongside a nationwide network of advocates, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) works to ensure government policies accelerate the development of new, improved Parkinson’s disease therapies and increase quality of life for patients, caregivers and families.
Vastly Scaling Government Investment in Parkinson’s Research
Strong government research investment is critically needed to meet this scientific moment. Federal research funding often supports large-scale, foundational science at agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), while state research commitments can help explore new ideas and build local research capacity.
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Federal Research Funding
MJFF advocates for sustained and increased investment in federal Parkinson’s research and care programs. This includes calling for a significant increase in NIH research funding, while also strengthening other federal programs, including those that study military-related risks and support the 110,000 U.S. military veterans living with Parkinson’s.
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State Research Funding
MJFF is leading a growing nationwide effort to secure state-level investment in Parkinson’s and neurodegenerative disease research, building on historic victories in states like Texas. We work in multiple states each year, often pairing research funding advocacy with complementary environmental legislation.
Addressing and Understanding Environmental Risk Factors
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, although research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For more than a decade, MJFF has worked alongside scientists, advocates and partner organizations to elevate the role of environmental exposures in Parkinson’s risk and to push for policies that reduce preventable contributors to disease. As the scientific evidence linking certain toxins to Parkinson’s risk has become increasingly clear, MJFF has intensified its policy engagement at both federal and state levels.
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Banning or Restricting Parkinson’s-Linked Chemicals
A growing body of scientific evidence links exposure to chemicals like paraquat and trichlorethylene (TCE) to the development of Parkinson’s pathology and symptoms. MJFF urges policymakers to protect community health by addressing these preventable exposures.
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Better Understanding the Role of the Environment
MJFF supports and advocates for legislation that can help the field explore how the environment plays a role in the development of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Influencing and Advancing the National Parkinson’s Project
The National Parkinson’s Project (NPP) is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to align and coordinate federal efforts to better understand, treat and ultimately prevent Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonisms.
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A First-Ever Whole-of-Government Approach
Authorized by The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act — which was signed into federal law in July 2024 — the NPP is a federal initiative to improve diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cures for Parkinson’s.
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Next Steps: Advisory Council and Required Reporting
Built on years of advocacy from the Parkinson’s community, MJFF is working to ensure the NPP is implemented with strong scientific direction, patient-centered priorities and clear accountability.
The Parkinson's Policy Network: The Driving Force Behind Every Advocacy Win
The Parkinson’s Policy Network (PPN) is MJFF’s nationwide grassroots advocacy program. Through the PPN, people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, families and other supporters can influence public policy at the federal and state levels. By sharing their personal stories and engaging with lawmakers, advocates help ensure that policy decisions are grounded in the diverse lived experiences and needs of the Parkinson’s community.
Through the PPN, members receive:
- timely action alerts and policy updates,
- access to digital tools and advocacy resources and
- invitations to participate in coordinated campaigns, meetings with elected officials and signature events like the Parkinson’s Policy Forum and state advocacy days.
Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, supporting someone who is or simply believe in the power of advocacy to drive research outcomes, your voice matters. Sign up at michaeljfox.org/advocacy.
“We’re on the brink of something big in Parkinson’s. Research is moving faster than ever. Advocates are raising their voices. Champions on both sides of the aisle are stepping up. The Fox Foundation stands ready to partner with the government to seize this moment and deliver the breakthroughs millions of Americans are waiting for.”
While the Foundation does not accept industry funding for public policy activities, we welcome input from industry on public policy issues affecting the Parkinson's community. MJFF may use this information to help advance policy initiatives that benefit patients, families and caregivers. Proposed sponsorship opportunities that create a conflict of interest or imply MJFF backing of a particular industry group or entity will not be considered.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is a 501(c)(3) organization. Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.
