Movement Disorders Foundation

The Movement Disorders Foundation (MDF) is committed to funding the most promising, translational research and treatments to improve the quality of life for people with movement disorders. We find, assess and support today's "undiscovered pioneers" in research and provide seed funding for projects that have a clear possibility of working at scale, but for which grant funding may be difficult to obtain. MDF funding accelerates such projects to a more reliable proof of concept.

MDF also empowers donors to turn their generosity into meaningful investments by inviting them to engage directly with leading scientists through private briefings, lab visits, and interactive Q&A sessions—offering an inside look at breakthroughs as they happen. Your tax-deductible contribution automatically makes you a fractional underwriter of the project you support. 

Click here to learn more and how to support the Movement Disorders Foundation.

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Young Investigator Pilot Grants (YIPG)

Our Young Investigator Pilot Grants represent the Foundation’s strongest commitment to advancing translational and clinical research aimed at the prevention and treatment of movement disorders to include:

• Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism;

• Dystonia;

• Essential tremor;

• Huntington’s disease and others.

Since 2020, we have awarded over $850,000 to early-career research scientists whose high-risk, high-reward projects have encouraged cross-disease investigation and driven new insights into the pathophysiology, causes, and treatment of multiple movement disorders. 

To be eligible for consideration, applicants are required to demonstrate the potential of their research to facilitate rapid translation to clinically useful therapies and facilitate competition for a NIH R01 grant or equivalent.

YIPG awards are funded by individual donors like you. Supporters at every level may choose to fund a specific disease area or an individual research project. 

Click here to learn more and how to support Young Investigator Pilot Grants.

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Direct Donor-Scientist Connection
Through the YIPG program, donors—especially those with a curiosity for science—gain a front-row seat to discovery. You’ll learn directly from pioneering researchers and follow their progress in real time, a rare opportunity available through few other philanthropic programs.

Private briefings: Receive updates before they're public. 

Lab visits: See the science in action. 

Q&A sessions: Have your specific questions answered by the experts. 

Networking opportunities: Connect with other donors and scientists.

Your contribution gives you a verifiable stake in a specific research project-transforming your gift from a donation to a general fund into an investment that delivers tangible outcomes

By supporting YIPGs-at any level-you'll witness the real-world impact of your generosity through regular updates, reports, and firsthand insights from the scientists leading the work.

Scientists gain advocates, not just ATMs. Donors who feel ownership are more likely to become long-term, sustainable supporters of a scientist's work, rather than providing one-off grants.

Excitement and direct feed back from donors who believe in their project can be a huge morale boost for researchers, especially during the challenging periods inherent to scientific discovery

Every Dollar Drives Discovery
Every dollar of your Young Investigator Pilot Grant contribution goes directly to research. Administrative costs are fully covered by annual fund support, ensuring your gift has maximum impact.

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Latest News on Movement Disorders Research Each Week
MDF is among the few nonprofit organizations addressing movement disorders across disease categories and the continuum of care—from research to caregiver resources. 

In addition to research funding, MDF is strongly committed to education and outreach. In 2022, we launched our weekly Movement Disorders Research Digest to deliver the latest medical discoveries and treatment advances directly to patients, caregivers, and professionals.

The response has been outstanding, with an industry- leading 47% open rate, 3.5% click rate, and 6.5% click-to-open rate—consistently week after week.

Now in its fourth year, the Movement Disorders Research Digest reaches more than 2,700 subscribers each week, including over 1,400 active readers. In August 2025, we proudly published the 150th edition of our digest. 

Click here to learn more and how to support the Movement Disorders Research Digest.

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Commitment to Comprehensive Care and Access to Clinical Research

As one of the first designated Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) Centers of Excellence, the MDF-supported Rocky Mountain Movement Disorders Center and its providers work collaboratively with physical, occupational and speech therapists, psychologists and genetic counselors, to help families affected by Huntington’s disease plan the best care program throughout the course of the disease. MDF also promotes both HD observational and drug trials.