Massage Therapy Foundation

About Us The Foundation was signed into being by the Secretary of the State of Illinois on August 3, 1990. MTF is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes including: - to advance the science and art of massage therapy through education about the benefits of this health service; - to promote the development of knowledge, scientific advancements, and community services in the massage therapy field; - to secure and provide funding for research, education, and charitable community outreach initiatives. The Massage Therapy Foundation is a 501(c)3 providing support to the massage therapy profession. Since 1990, MTF has provided over $1 million in research grants studying the science behind therapeutic massage. The Foundation founded and publishes an open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal and provides many educational resources for massage therapists, educators, and students. MTF provides community service grants to populations in need of therapeutic massage who would otherwise lack access. Our Vision: The practice of massage therapy is evidence-informed and accessible to everyone. Our Mission: The Massage Therapy Foundation advances the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education, and community service. Guiding Principles The Massage Therapy Foundation commits to: - Upholding the principles of philanthropy - Contributing to the understanding and appreciation of massage therapy - Increasing the Foundation’s influence, credibility, and visibility in health and wellness - Sustaining the Foundation’s organizational effectiveness - Fostering the spirit of collaboration Goals - Advance research on therapeutic massage and bodywork. - Foster massage therapy initiatives that serve populations in need. - Promote research literacy and capacity in the profession. - Support the evidence-informed practice of therapeutic massage and bodywork based upon available research, client factors, and practitioner experience and judgment. - Fortify the Foundation’s financial resources and organizational effectiveness.