Massage Therapy Journal Summer 2026

68 • Massage Therapy Journal

to access the benefits of therapeutic touch even in situations where other forms of care aren’t feasible. Proposals that incorporate a research component are particularly valued, as they gather data that demonstrates efficacy and drives long‑term growth and expansion. Each year, MTF has awarded projects up to $5,000 to four to five projects, a funding limit that was imposed more than 30 years ago. After discussing the right time to increase the award for almost a decade, I am thrilled to report that the MTF Board of Trustees has approved a higher award amount of $20,000 per project for up to two projects per grant cycle starting this year! The Community Service Awards Get A Big Boost

This critical change will enable awardees to keep up with increased costs and make a greater impact on the communities they serve. New data collection and quarterly reporting requirements will enable these grants to drive additional projects and long-term change, highlighting the importance of licensed massage professionals’ impact on the health of our communities. “I am so excited about the future of the Community Service Awards! This year we approved a higher dollar amount award, enabling us to attract a larger and more diverse applicant pool. With this change, our monies will be able to help more people and hopefully provide additional data for research,” Dolly Wallace, LMT, BCTMB, and Chair of the MTF Community Service Award Proposal Review Committee, shares.

YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT WORK! Make a donation to MTF, spread the word and consider applying for an award to bring massage to a community organization near you. Visit massagetherapy foundation.org to learn more.

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