Deadline: 28-Feb-2026
The Research Support Awards provide grants of up to $30,000 for independent, one-year research projects that advance the evidence base of massage therapy. Administered by the Massage Therapy Foundation, the program supports costs like salary, equipment, and dissemination. Applications for the 2026 cycle are open to global organizations and must be submitted by February 28, 2026.
The Research Support Awards are designed to fund high-quality, independent scientific studies that contribute directly to the knowledge of massage therapy applications. By providing targeted financial support, the program aims to integrate massage therapy into the broader health research community and improve clinical practice through evidence-based data.
Why It Matters: Evidence-Based Massage Therapy
Scientific research is essential for the professional maturation of the massage therapy industry.
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Clinical Validity: Establishes a proven link between massage interventions and health outcomes.
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Professional Integration: Helps massage therapy gain recognition within multi-disciplinary healthcare teams.
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Standardized Care: Research findings help develop safer and more effective treatment protocols.
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Informed Practice: Provides practitioners with the tools to explain the physiological and psychological benefits of their work to clients and insurers.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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Sponsoring Organization: The academic institution, hospital, or research center that receives and manages the grant funds. Awards are never paid directly to individuals.
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Massage Therapy Foundation Research Agenda: A strategic document outlining priority areas for investigation, such as pain management, oncology massage, or ergonomics for therapists.
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Dissemination: The active process of sharing research results through peer-reviewed journals, professional conferences, and outreach platforms.
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Newer Investigator: A researcher at the beginning of their career who is required to have a formal mentorship agreement with a senior scientist for this grant.
Who is Eligible?
The Massage Therapy Foundation welcomes a diverse range of applicants, provided they meet specific institutional and professional criteria.
Eligible Applicants:
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Global Scope: Researchers outside the United States may apply if their institution can accept funds in US Dollars.
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Institutional Affiliation: Applicants must be associated with an eligible Sponsoring Organization capable of providing research infrastructure.
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Inclusion of Therapists: Proposals must involve massage therapists in the research process (e.g., intervention design or protocol delivery).
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Mentorship: Newer investigators must document active collaboration with an experienced researcher.
Ineligible Applicants:
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Current Principal Investigators (PIs) on an active study already funded by the Massage Therapy Foundation.
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Individuals not affiliated with a Sponsoring Organization.
Grant Details and Funding Structure
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Maximum Award: $30,000.
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Duration: 12 months (one year).
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Payment Schedule: Funds are disbursed quarterly based on the submission of milestone documentation and financial reports.
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Allowable Expenses: Salary support (aligned with standard stipends), participant costs, equipment, supplies, and dissemination fees.
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Unspent Funds: Any remaining balance at the end of the grant period must be returned to the Foundation.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
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Review the Research Agenda: Ensure your project aligns with the Massage Therapy Foundation’s current priorities.
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Secure a Sponsoring Organization: Finalize an agreement with an institution that will host the research.
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Form Your Team: Include a mix of scientific researchers and practicing massage therapists.
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Draft the Proposal: Focus on scientific merit, technical feasibility, and the “significance” of the study to the field.
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Prepare the Budget: Provide a detailed justification for all requested funds up to $30,000.
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Submit Online: Complete the application by February 28, 2026, at 11:59 pm CST.
Evaluation and Timeline
Proposals are peer-reviewed and evaluated based on:
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Scientific Merit: The rigor of the methodology and research design.
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Capability: The expertise of the research team and the quality of the research environment.
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Budget Appropriateness: Whether the costs are justified by the project scope.
Important Dates for 2026:
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Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026.
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Notification of Award: June 1, 2026.
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Earliest Project Start: August 1, 2026.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Excluding Therapists: A common reason for rejection is failing to involve actual massage therapists in the design or delivery of the intervention.
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Budget Padding: Ensure every dollar is justified; reviewers check if salary support matches current standard stipends.
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Ignoring the “Agenda”: Projects that do not clearly link back to the Foundation’s Research Agenda are unlikely to be funded.
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Late Submissions: The 11:59 pm CST deadline is strict. System delays on the final day are not valid excuses for late entries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can an individual therapist apply for this grant? No. Awards are only granted to a Sponsoring Organization. Individuals must be affiliated with an institution like a university or hospital.
2. Are there any pre-application requirements? No. There is no letter of intent (LOI) or pre-application phase for the Research Support Award.
3. What happens if I don’t spend all the money? All unspent funds must be returned to the Massage Therapy Foundation at the end of the one-year grant period.
4. Is international research supported? Yes. Applicants outside the U.S. are eligible as long as their sponsoring institution can handle funds in U.S. Dollars.
5. How are funds disbursed? Payments are released quarterly, within 30 days of the Foundation approving your interim progress and financial reports.
6. Does the grant cover travel to conferences? Yes, “dissemination expenses” are an allowable cost, which typically includes conference travel and publication fees.
7. Can I change my research plan after the grant is awarded? Any significant changes to the budget, personnel, or research protocol require prior written approval from the Foundation.
Conclusion
The Research Support Awards represent a vital investment in the clinical foundation of massage therapy. By bridging the gap between practice and science, these grants empower organizations to produce data that can change health policy and patient care. Interested research teams must ensure their proposals are scientifically rigorous and aligned with the Foundation’s goals before the February 28, 2026 deadline.
For more information, visit MTF.