Due to the uniqueness and breadth of our work, we get a lot of questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Brain Research Foundation. If you have a question that is not answered below, please feel free to contact us
What does the Brain Research Foundation do?
The Brain Research Foundation supports research in the neurosciences in
order to promote the understanding of disorders of the human brain. We
believe that understanding will ultimately lead to treatments and
The Brain Research Foundation also supports
programs that improve professional, scientific, and public education
about the human brain, with the goal of finding ways to protect the
brain and to help realize its potential.
What type of research does the Brain Research Foundation fund?
The Brain Research Foundation funds neuroscience research—the study of
the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral
nervous system (the rest of the nerves throughout your body).
Our mission is to promote a greater understanding of the nervous system,
including how it works, how it develops and matures, and how to prevent
and cure the disorders that affect it.
How does the Brain Research Foundation fund its mission?
Funding for vital research into neurological disorders and for educating
the public about the human brain comes from individual donors,
corporations, and foundations.
Your gift advances our mission
to eliminate brain disorders and improve treatments to provide the best
care and support to those living with brain disorders.
Is there more than one way to donate to the Brain Research Foundation?
Yes. There are many ways to donate.
Direct Gifts: Contributions are accepted in the form of cash, check, credit card, and stock.
Matching Gifts: If you work for one of the growing number of companies that has a Matching Gift Program, the amount of your gift could be multiplied. Please check with your Human Resources Office to see if your company offers this benefit.
Planned Giving: Long-term estate and financial planning can enable you to make a substantial contribution to the Brain Research Foundation. Examples of planned gifts include: bequests, life insurance policies, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and charitable gift annuities.
Memorial and Honorary Gifts: You can make a donation in memory of someone or give a gift in honor of a special person.
Can I designate a gift to the Brain Research Foundation?
If you want your donation to support research for a specific disorder,
the Brain Research Foundation will do its best to use your money for
projects in that area or a closely related field of research. However,
by making your gift undesignated, you will allow the Brain Research
Foundation to determine where it will have the greatest impact.
Can the Brain Research Foundation recommend a doctor or give medical advice?
The Brain Research Foundation does not recommend physicians or provide medical advice.
Can I donate my brain to the Brain Research Foundation so scientists can study it?
The Brain Research Foundation does not collect any human brain tissue.
Most universities are interested in obtaining viable tissue from the
human brain to study. You could contact a local university to discuss
the details of brain donation.
Is the Brain Research Foundation conducting any clinical trials?
The Brain Research Foundation does not conduct any of its own research.
We support the innovative science that is being conducted at leading
ClinicalTrials.gov is a website that gives you information about clinical trials in the United States and worldwide.