MTF Research Grant

The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) Research Grant is designed to support rigorous scientific inquiry into the therapeutic effects and applications of massage therapy. The foundation is committed to advancing the art, science, and practice of massage therapy through high-quality research that informs clinical practice and healthcare integration. This particular funding opportunity is for the 2026 Research Grant cycle, which offers substantial financial support for comprehensive studies that explore massage therapy's role in health, wellness, medical, and mental health interventions. The 2026 Research Grant is intended for experienced research teams affiliated with credible institutions such as universities, independent research organizations, and health centers. These Sponsoring Organizations must have the requisite infrastructure and oversight capabilities, including access to Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). Individual investigators may not apply independently; proposals must be submitted through an eligible institution. While applicants outside of the United States are eligible, they must ensure their Sponsoring Organization can accept funds in U.S. dollars. Applicants currently serving as Principal Investigators on existing MTF-funded projects are not eligible. The grant offers funding between $30,000 and $300,000 and may be used over a period of up to three years. These funds must be allocated toward research-related expenses such as personnel, participant costs, equipment, and dissemination. Applicants must return any unused funds at the conclusion of the project period. Research supported by this grant must directly contribute to the body of evidence supporting massage therapy, preferably aligned with the MTF Research Agenda and with significant involvement of massage therapists in the research design, delivery, or implementation. The use of Artificial Intelligence tools in preparing submissions must be fully disclosed, in alignment with MTF’s ethical guidelines. A two-stage application process is required, beginning with a pre-proposal Letter of Intent (LOI) due by February 28, 2026. Successful LOI applicants will be notified by May 1, 2026, and invited to submit a full application, which is due by August 3, 2026. Awards will be announced by mid-October, and the earliest project start date is January 1, 2027. Required documents for submission include abstracts, research plans, budget summaries, letters of support, IRB confirmation, and detailed dissemination plans. Applications must adhere to NIH formatting standards. Evaluation of proposals will focus on four key domains: significance of the research question, scientific and technical merit, qualifications and capability of the research team, and budget appropriateness. Applications must also include a clearly articulated outcomes evaluation plan, with expectations for registering the study at clinicaltrials.gov, providing quarterly and final reports, and submitting a 300-word blog and 1–2-minute video to share results. Grantees are further expected to present findings at relevant conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals, ideally including the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (IJTMB). For additional information, applicants may contact Annie LaCroix, Associate Director – Operations, at [email protected]. Official application documents and guidelines are available through the MTF website.

Ensure clear articulation of massage therapy relevance and involve massage therapists meaningfully in design and delivery. Justify scientific and budget details precisely.