A Funny 
Thing 
Happened ...

MJFF also reaches out with a social-media presence on sites like Twitter and Facebook, blogs, "hot topics" phone calls where supporters can call in to ask questions and hear MJFF researchers speak, 
and small, in-person roundtable discussions.

The organization also provides speakers for support groups, is enrolling people from around the country in an initiative to study biomarkers for Parkinson's disease, and hosts a patient council and a new project called the Fox Trial Finder that allows people to find and sign up for clinical trials in Parkinson's disease. (Non-patients can sign up to be control subjects.)

These are all ways in which MJFF keeps in touch with donors and other supporters, engages the Parkinson's community in general, and engenders relationships across the board.

Looking ahead

Despite the fact that many foundations and other nonprofits have struggled recently, Kelly says, MJFF has been able to consistently increase revenue year over year and has even seen an uptick in planned giving and estate gifts over the past few years. With its inarguable 
success, the organization doesn't seem like it should be looking to change things up any time soon. But it's not resting on its laurels.

"There are an estimated 1 million people in the U.S. [with Parkinson's disease], and we don't even know half of them," she says. "Our goal is to get to know more people — spreading our message and increasing our presence in other communities.

"We are never satisfied," Kelly adds. "We are always trying 
to improve on what we are 
doing." FS

Cheryl P. Rose is an Oregon-based freelance writer who has worked in development at Duke University and the United Way for most of her career. Reach her at cprose26@gmail.com