Research Grant Application
MTF’s 2026 Research Grant and Research Support Award application processes are now open!
The Massage Therapy Foundation offers two types of research grants: Research Support Awards (up to $30,000) and Research Grants (over $30,000).
Massage Therapy Foundation research grants and awards are awarded to individuals or teams conducting studies that promise to advance our understanding of specific therapeutic applications of massage, public perceptions of and attitudes toward massage therapy, and the role of massage therapy in health care delivery.
MTF research grants and awards support high quality, independent research that contributes to the basic science of massage therapy application, including applied research investigating massage therapy as a health/mental health treatment and/or prevention modality. The research grants and awards are available to investigators who have experience in the relevant field of research, and are presently associated with a university, independent research organization, or other institution qualified to act as Sponsoring Organization.
MTF Research Support Award (up to $30,000)
- The 2026 Research Support Award application deadline is February 28, 2026.
- The maximum award is $30,000 for a one-year project period.
2026 Research Support Award Guidelines >>
2026 Research Support Award Application Instructions >>
Research Support Award Ethics Review Form>>
MTF Applicant Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Policy>>
Enter Application Portal
MTF Research Grant (over $30,000)
- The 2026 Research Grant LOI application deadline is February 28, 2026.
- Amount awarded is between $30,000 to $300,000 and must be used in the specific time period for which it has been awarded (can be used over the course of multiple years).
2026 Research Grant Guidelines >>
2026 Research Grant Application Instructions >>
Research Grant Ethics Review Form>>
MTF Applicant Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Policy>>
Enter Application Portal
“The MTF grant is helping me to advance my research aimed at developing effective and innovative strategies to assist caregivers to reduce their stress and enhance their own well-being as they manage the many challenges associated with caring for a loved one who has a serious medical condition. With the help of this grant, our research team collected critical data needed to inform the implementation and adaptation of a massage therapy intervention for caregivers in hospital settings. We plan to use this preliminary data to support a larger federal grant application that will enable us to conduct a larger intervention trial.”
– Natalie Williams, PhD
MTF Research Support Award Recipient
“I believe in the power of massage and its impact on health and wellness. Receiving this grant has helped me to introduce research to the next generation of researchers: students. This powerful experience has allowed them to grow and gain an understanding they didn’t have before. The MTF has provided me with an invaluable opportunity. To have funding available for massage is an incredible gift. I am so thankful for the efforts and work of the Foundation.”
– Mark Blegen
MTF Research Support Award Recipient
For additional information please contact:
Annie LaCroix, MS, LMT, Associate Director – Operations
alacroix@massagetherapyfoundation.org