This virtual, 24/7 assistant helps researchers, applicants, reviewers and grantees find administrative and operational information about grants and funding.
As the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation receives a wide variety of questions from research audiences: How do I submit a pre-proposal application? Where can I find the budget template? What is MJFF's Open Science Policy?
To help researchers find answers to these and other routine grant-related questions faster, MJFF developed ChatFox, an AI-powered virtual assistant.
“Providing a smoother grant application experience means making guidance easy to access and easy to understand,” said Michelle Durborow, SVP, Head of Research Operations at MJFF. “ChatFox gives applicants, grantees and administrators a faster way to get trusted MJFF guidance, while preserving the personalized support that remains central to how we work with researchers.”
What Is ChatFox?
ChatFox is an online conversational tool that runs around-the-clock to help users navigate MJFF funding, application, and grant administration information. Rather than searching across multiple pages or waiting for an email response to a routine question, users can rely on ChatFox to scan MJFF policies, surface answers and identify relevant materials.
ChatFox is different from a general AI tool because the Foundation controls the knowledge base it draws from. That means the system is contained and updated in real-time as questions arise and requirements change.
Who Should Use ChatFox?
ChatFox is intended for researchers, clinicians, reviewers, institutional administrators and other professional audiences looking for information about MJFF funding opportunities and application processes. It may be especially helpful for:
- Applicants preparing or submitting grant applications
- Reviewers participating in grant application review in the Grant Portal
- Current grantees with questions about grant administration or policies
- Institutional administrators supporting grant applications
Of note, ChatFox is a tool for researchers seeking grant-related information. It is not meant for visitors seeking information unrelated to grants, such as Parkinson's disease education, donor information or general website support. People with Parkinson’s, care partners or families looking for health information should use MJFF’s patient-facing resources or speak with a qualified health care professional.
What Can I Ask ChatFox?
Users can ask ChatFox questions such as:
- How do I submit a pre-proposal?
- Why am I getting a submission error?
- Why is a field greyed out or not editable?
- Where do I upload biosketches and support documents?
- How do collaboration invitations work?
- How do I add someone to my expense report?
- How do I fill out my progress report?
- How do I request a No Cost Extension?
- How do I submit my review of a proposal?
Remember, ChatFox can help users find MJFF grant and award guidance, but it is not designed to support scientific consultation or proposal strategy. It also does not replace individualized direction from MJFF staff.
| Best Uses for ChatFox | ChatFox Is Not For |
|---|---|
| - Understanding general application requirements - Learning about submission processes - Navigating Grant Portal issues - Answering questions about active grant policies and procedures - Finding MJFF official policies and forms - Getting help outside business hours | - Scientific advice - Proposal strategy or confirming if an idea is in or out of scope - Questions particular to a specific funding opportunity - Medical or patient guidance - Determining whether a research idea will be funded - Replacing contact with MJFF staff for complex questions |
How is ChatFox Evolving?
Since ChatFox first became available in spring 2026, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and usage has steadily increased, especially around funding opportunity announcements and proposal deadlines. That pattern suggests users are turning to ChatFox when they need timely information about submission support for applications.
“The tool is designed to learn alongside our community,” added Durborow. “As more people use the tool, we gain valuable insight into where researchers need additional support, helping us strengthen our processes, resources and grant administration over time.”