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Movement Disorders Foundation

EIN 27-1618835 · Arvada, CO

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood89 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

We accelerate breakthroughs in Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, dystonia, essential tremor and related movement disorders by funding bold, cutting edge research; empowering scientists to pursue innovative ideas that translate laboratory discoveries into life-extending and life-enriching treatments and therapies; fostering collaboration across the global research community; and bridging the gap between scientists and society by mobilizing public engagement in movement disorders research.

Income
$255,709
Spending
$277,793
Spent on programs
94%
Reserves
25.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 86%
Employees
0
Volunteers
6
Highest pay
$65,000, executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 61% of charities in its peer group (medical research, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 25.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 9% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 56% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    94% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 77% of charities in its peer group (medical research, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $200,000 spent. In 2025, the Movement Disorders Foundation (MDF) Board of Directors provided ongoing oversight and strategic development of the YOUNG INVESTIGATOR PILOT GRANT (YIPG) program, a cornerstone of MDF's research mission. The Board focused on strengthening scientific review, enhancing accountability for funded research, refining program scope, and positioning the program for long-term growth and donor engagement. Board members reviewed progress reports from active grantees, applying qualitative and quantitative criteria. Funding decisions were contingent in some cases on clarification, revised reporting, or adjusted timelines, balancing scientific accountability with support for early-career investigators. By year-end, all 2024 awardees had received full $50,000 grants, phased according to demonstrated progress. The Board also developed draft criteria for second-year funding, considering progress, likelihood of external support, adherence to acknowledgment requirements, and alignment with MDF research priorities. Beyond grant administration, the Board emphasized donor-facing strategies, including framing YIPGs as catalytic seed investments, exploring flexible funding models, and planning salon-style donor events to highlight investigator work. The Board also evaluated a high-impact translational research opportunity at the University of Denver, considering potential alignment and collaboration with YIPG-funded projects. By the end of 2025, MDF had established a more strategic research framework, positioning the YIPG program to expand impact, support innovative early-career investigators, and bridge promising science to larger-scale funding opportunities.
  2. $36,788 spent. In 2025, the Movement Disorders Foundation (MDF) and Rocky Mountain Movement Disorders Center (RMMDC) maintained operations of the HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE SOCIETY OF AMERICA (HDSA) CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (COE) program while navigating leadership transitions, funding adjustments, and evolving program requirements. Early in the year, RMMDC advanced its leadership transition from Dr. Rajeev Kumar to Dr. Meagen Salinas, who formally assumed COE directorship in April. In response to a nationwide HDSA funding reduction of approximately 15%, Dr. Salinas presented a revised clinic structure to preserve required services while managing costs. By June, RMMDC delivered twelve clinics, including ten fully compliant multidisciplinary sessions and two modified-service clinics, ensuring continuity of care and compliance with HDSA standards. MDF supported the Annual Rocky Mountain Huntington's Disease Family Education Day on October 18 at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and facilitated a November 1 rebroadcast to extend outreach. In November, HDSA maintained funding for an additional six months and indicated potential structural changes to its COE network. The Board recognized that program scale and resource allocation may require reassessment as further guidance emerges. Despite operational pressures, the COE program continues to provide critical community benefit, support clinical trial recruitment, and advance care for individuals affected by Huntington's disease.
  3. $25,000 spent. In 2025, the Movement Disorders Foundation (MDF) advanced its mission by modernizing communications and digital infrastructure. The weekly electronic newsletter was rebranded as MOVEMENT DISORDERS RESEARCH NEWS, emphasizing its role as a nationally relevant, research-focused publication supporting innovative, disease-modifying studies. Despite a net loss of 252 subscribers, engagement remained strong, with a 46% open rate and stable click-through activity. Editorial enhancements expanded coverage of global research developments, emerging therapies, and scientific advances, providing readers with accessible, in-depth content. MDF also initiated sponsorship planning and conducted outreach through clinical centers, professional networks, and conferences, increasing visibility and strengthening donor messaging. MDF redesigned its website to prioritize donor engagement, simplify navigation, and provide clear access to research funding opportunities. Integration with the Colorado Gives platform streamlined online giving and reinforced transparency regarding impact. Strategic planning included exploring digital marketing and AI tools to optimize outreach, engagement, and fundraising. These initiatives strengthened MDF's public identity, elevated its research-focused brand, and expanded national visibility, positioning the organization for continued donor support and investment in early-career investigators and innovative movement disorders research.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 2011.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.