National and International — Massage Therapy Foundation 2027 Research Support Awards (Up to $30,000; April 14, 2027)

FundingUp to $30,000 per sponsoring organization for a one-year research project. Individual minimum and overall funding pool not published.

DeadlineApril 14, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. CST (official 2027 Research Support Award Guidelines); applications opened November 1, 2026. No LOI required.

Last verified2026-11-01

Required next actionConfirm applicant institution is an eligible sponsoring organization and PI meets current-funded-grant, affiliation and mentoring restrictions. Prepare abstract (400 words/1 page), specific aims (1 page), research plan (6 pages), references, PI biosketches and collaborator documents, budget and narrative, institutional support, IRB access, conflict declarations and dissemination plan. Submit complete Research Support Award through the MTF grants portal by April 14, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Review funder AI disclosure and ineligible-cost instructions.

Broad Eligibility

Awarded to a single research Sponsoring Organization, not individuals. University, independent research institute, health center or other suitable institution with facilities and IRB access; PI experience and institutional support required. International applicants permitted if institution accepts USD funds. PIs with ongoing MTF-funded research and conflicted institutions excluded. Early-career researchers need experienced mentor. Research must have strong direct connection to massage therapy professional practice.

Atlas Analysis

November 1, 2026: controlling MTF 2027 Research Support Award Guidelines https://massagetherapyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2027-Research-Support-Award-Guidelines.pdf (seven pages), MTF 2027 Application Instructions https://massagetherapyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2027-Research-Support-Award-Application-Instructions-9.1.26.pdf (six pages), and program page https://massagetherapyfoundation.org/grants-awards-contests/research-grants/ independently reviewed. Formal deadline 11:59pm CST Apr 14 2027; one-year single organizational award up to $30k; no LOI. Research scope; institutional, mentor, IRB, conflicts and international-USD eligibility; eligible/ineligible cost classes, reimbursement/reporting and AI policy established by issuer. No mandatory match specified, no program pool. Distinct from separately open 2027 Research Grant $30k-$300k requiring January 13 LOI. Genuine applicant research financial assistance, not procurement.

Massage Therapy Foundation — 2027 Research Support Award

The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) is accepting applications for its 2027 Research Support Awards, opening November 1, 2026 and closing April 14, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. CST, as stated in the controlling 2027 guidelines. The awards support independent basic, applied, or translational scientific research directly relevant to massage therapy practice and its roles in health and mental health treatment, prevention, wellness and healthcare delivery.

Individual award: Up to $30,000 for a one-year project. A lower award minimum or total 2027 funding pool is not published. No pre-application or LOI is required for this award track. Earliest project start is August 1, 2027, following award notification by June 1.

Eligible institutional applicants

Research Support Awards are made to one sponsoring organization, not directly to individuals. Qualified universities, independent research institutions, health centers, and other research-capable institutions may sponsor an experienced investigator. The institution must offer sufficient facilities, participant access and IRB resources, and provide required support letters. International investigators may apply if their sponsoring institution can receive U.S. dollar payments. Principal investigators on currently funded MTF studies and sponsoring institutions with prohibited MTF insider relationships are ineligible. Early-career investigators need an experienced mentor/collaborator.

Allowable expenses and significant conditions

Eligible research costs can include reasonable salary/stipend support, participant costs, research supplies, specialized equipment, statistical work and allowable dissemination costs. The published budget instructions exclude rent and utilities, routine computer purchases, some consultation/proofreading costs, costs incurred before award, childcare, contingency and entertainment. Dissemination expenditure is generally limited to $5,000 per budget year absent specific approval. No mandatory matching-fund amount is stated. MTF pays sponsoring organizations against documented expenses and required quarterly financial and scientific progress reports; unused funds must be returned.

Application and required documents

Apply through the official MTF research grant application page and portal. Required elements include a structured abstract (one page, 400 words), specific aims (one page), research plan (six pages), references, personnel biosketches, facilities/resources and institutional support, budget and justification, conflict disclosures, ethics/IRB access confirmation, and dissemination plan. Human or animal-subject ethics approval must be on file before disbursement. Applicant use of AI must comply with MTF disclosure policy. Review the separate 2027 official guidelines and application instructions for exact forms and restrictions. Official controlling guidance verified November 1, 2026.

Source verificationReferenced source · massagetherapyfoundation.orgAtlas last verified this record 2026-11-01. Always use the funder's current application materials, amendments and portal instructions as the controlling source.View source and application materials ↗