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MJFF Press Release Drafting Guidelines and Template

When drafting press releases or other communications that reference The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), please follow these guidelines to ensure accuracy and alignment with MJFF’s brand. Grantees may also use the below template if useful.

MJFF Press Release Drafting Guidelines and Best Practices

Accurately describe MJFF’s role

  • Use “funder,” “supporter,” or “implementation partner” as appropriate
  • Do not refer to MJFF as a “sponsor”
  • Do not imply MJFF is leading, owning, or directing the project unless explicitly stated

Avoid language that suggests endorsement

  • Do not imply MJFF endorses a product, technology, company, or service
  • Avoid phrases like “in partnership with MJFF” unless formally approved
  • Avoid positioning MJFF as validating or guaranteeing outcomes

Use MJFF’s full name on first reference

  • “The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF)”
  • “The Michael J. Fox Foundation” alone is not sufficient on first mention

Ensure scientific accuracy

  • Use precise terminology (e.g., “analytes” vs. “biomarkers” where appropriate)
  • Avoid overstating findings, validation, or clinical relevance

Keep MJFF quotes neutral and scientific

  • Quotes should reflect MJFF’s mission and support of research
  • Avoid language that promotes or markets a specific product or company

Do not use MJFF logo without approval

  • Logo use always requires explicit permission from MJFF Communications

Avoid announcing funding prematurely

  • Communications may only be released once the grant is fully executed and in “Open” status
  • Submit materials for review in advance

Send press releases, social posts, web copy, and other materials to press@michaeljfox.org

  • Include your Grants Manager on all submissions
  • Allow up to 10 business days for review

Share final versions for reference

  • Even when formal review is not required (e.g., brief acknowledgments), sharing final materials is encouraged

MJFF-Funded Project Press Release Template

[Headline]

Clear, factual, non-promotional
Focus on the research or milestone, not MJFF

Example:
New Study Explores Early Mechanisms of Neuron Vulnerability in Parkinson’s Disease

[Subheadline – optional]

One sentence summarizing significance

Example:
Research supported by The Michael J. Fox Foundation aims to better understand early disease progression

[City, Date]

CITY, State — Month Day, Year

[Opening Paragraph – What + Why it matters]

  • What is happening (study, grant, milestone)
  • Who is leading it
  • Why it matters for Parkinson’s

Template:

[Institution/Researcher] has been awarded funding from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) to [brief description of project]. The research aims to [goal], which could help [impact on understanding, treatment, or diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease].

[Second Paragraph – About the Science]

  • Brief explanation of the problem
  • What gap this research addresses

Template:

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that [brief context]. Current research is limited by [gap]. This project will [approach], helping researchers better understand [key mechanism or challenge].

[Third Paragraph – What the Project Will Do]

  • Methods or approach (plain language)
  • What makes it novel

Template:

Using [methods/technology], the team will [key actions]. This approach will allow researchers to [expected insight], which may contribute to [long-term goal such as earlier diagnosis or new therapies].

[Researcher Quote]

  • Personal motivation
  • Scientific goal
  • Avoid hype

Template:

“This project will allow us to [goal],” said [Researcher Name, Title, Institution]. “By [approach], we hope to better understand [problem] and ultimately contribute to [impact].”

[Optional: MJFF Quote – if provided]

  • Mission-focused
  • Non-promotional
  • No endorsement language

Template:

“Supporting innovative research like this is critical to advancing our understanding of Parkinson’s disease,” said [Name, Title] at The Michael J. Fox Foundation. “This work has the potential to [impact aligned with mission].”

[About the Funding / Program]

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