The Community Service Grants Program of the Massage Therapy Foundation
The Massage Therapy Foundation advances the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by
supporting scientific research, education, and community service.
THE COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANTS
1. Objectives
Awards are granted to provide therapeutic massage and bodywork to communities or groups who may
have little or no access to such services and who are in some way(s) marginalized by society, with the
intention of enabling such communities to achieve their health potential. Awards may also be granted to
provide therapeutic massage and bodywork in more mainstream contexts where it is not yet available.
These awards are designated to promote working partnerships between the therapeutic massage and
bodywork professions and community based organizations.
The Massage Therapy Foundation defines massage as “the application of manual techniques, and
adjunctive therapies, with the intention of affecting the health and well-being of the client.” Applicants
must ensure compliance with state or local regulation of therapeutic massage and bodywork practice.
2. Eligibility
Community Service Grants are available to organizations or affiliates of organizations which:
2.1. Have been in existence for at least one year in the respective State or Province;
2.2. Are tax-exempt under schedule 501(c)(3) in the U.S., or a non-profit charitable
organization in other countries;
2.3. Currently provide some therapeutic or other service programs to the community
(the Community Service Grant must be used to provide therapeutic massage and
bodywork in conjunction with these programs);
2.4. Have designated a qualified staff member (herein known as the Project Leader)
and a qualified practitioner (herein known as the Massage Therapy Coordinator) to
oversee this program.
2.5 Projects should not duplicate services already provided by applicant organization,
and should demonstrate sustainability after the grant award period has ended.
2.6 Practitioners or student practitioners (if part of the project) must provide proof of
professional liability insurance coverage.
Duration and Value of Grants
Grants will be awarded for a 12-month period; the value of the Community Service Grants will be between
$500 and $5,000 and must be used in the specific time period for which they have been awarded.
Any unspent funds must be returned to the Massage Therapy Foundation. Funding needed to support
the continuation or completion of the project beyond either the designated completion date or the
budgeted amount of the original grant must be requested in a new application.
Applications must be received by the deadline of April 1, 2009. Applicants may confirm receipt of their
application by including a self-addressed, stamped post-card with their application. Decisions will be
mailed to applicants no later than 120 days from the application deadline.
Massage Therapy Foundation
500 Davis Street, Suite 900
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: (847)869-5019
Fax: (847)864-1178
info@massagetherapyfoundation.org
