Massage Schools Grants Make a Difference: Hear From Past Recipients

Each fall and spring, AMTA announces recipients of the Massage Schools Grants, funded by Massage Envy, to support the future of the massage therapy profession. This year we’ve doubled our impact: ten recipients will be announced in the spring and ten in the fall—that’s twenty schools total! The Schools Grants are $10,000 awards given with the goal of helping massage schools attract, train, and graduate future generations of highly qualified massage therapists.

Recently, we checked in with past Massage Schools Grant recipients to learn about the positive ways this grant has impacted their school community. Explore how three schools from across the country have utilized these grants to enhance their learning environments and support their students.

The Spring 2026 application for the Massage Schools Grant is open until April 30—apply today for the chance to make a huge impact on your school.

Explore Tips From Massage Envy to Help Your Application Stand Out

Apply Today!

New Jersey School of Massage- Fall 2022 Recipient

Alice Marin, owner of New Jersey School of Massage, shares that the grant “definitely helped a great deal.” In fact, because of it, they were able to move into a larger facility that has better security, large windows for natural light, and an extra room that has been transformed into a student lounge. Alice highlights how “all my students love this new location,” and that people join her school because of it—right in the heart of the Downtown district of Toms River, NJ. Additionally, the grant allowed them to buy new body muscles and bones to enhance hands-on learning and overall student experience.

It’s been a couple of years since NJ School of Massage received this grant, and Alice notes that she has reapplied. If chosen, they plan to expand their course offerings by hiring educators who focus on manual lymphatic drainage and oncology massage, helping their students support clients with a variety of conditions.

Alice concludes by saying, “I greatly appreciate AMTA for the grant and for all the support you offer to your member schools.”

American Academy of Massage and Wellness- Spring 2024 Recipient

Mike Knowlton, owner and executive director of American Academy of Massage & Wellness, emphasizes that “the grant that we received was a game changer for our school.” He shares that they were already in the process of an expansion project—which would double the size of their facilities—when they received the grant. Thus, a portion of the grant supported that expansion and helped provide an additional lecture classroom and a separate massage skills room. 

Additionally, Mike notes that they were able to purchase 12 hydraulic massage tables for their internship treatment and massage skills/hands-on classrooms as well as 7 tables for guest intake forms, intern SOAP notes, and client review forms.  

Mike also shares:

“As the owner of the school, I can tell you that the grant that we received was such a blessing for our current and future students. For our school, it totally elevated and enhanced their educational experience.  Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.”

Bodycraft Wellness and Massage Center- Spring 2025 Recipient

Jamie Fanara, Massage Program Director for Bodycraft Wellness and Massage Center, shares that the grant helped them officially move onto the Rock Valley College campus in the Health Sciences Center building, an exciting step forward for the school. She recalls the students’ reaction when they saw the new space in January 2026, “the look on their faces was priceless.”

Jamie describes the learning environment on the Rock Valley campus and how:

“The new space includes a built-in office and reception area, giving students the opportunity to gain real-world experience. With the grant support, we’ve implemented iPads for note-taking and client check-in/out, helping students build practical, professional skills.”

Additionally, the grant allowed them to purchase new equipment and learning tools, including stools, bolsters, massage table hammocks, a hydrocollator, a towel cabby, skeleton and muscle charts, and a take-apart cranium. Jamie notes that they were also able to add a job board and create new program t-shirts for students.

Jamie expresses her gratitude for the grants by saying:

“These updates have made a strong impact on both student learning and confidence. Thank you again for your support—we’re grateful for the difference this grant has made!”

AMTA's Commitment

AMTA is proud to support massage therapy schools and students through the Massage Envy Schools Grants. These grants can have a significant and lasting impact on student experience, educational success, and the future of massage therapy. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to improve your school and enhance student learning—apply by April 30!

Explore Tips From Massage Envy to Help Your Application Stand Out

Apply Today!

About Massage Envy

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is a leading provider of premium skin care offerings and massage services. The Massage Envy brand was founded in 2002 and began offering skin care services in 2008. The brand has franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 225 million services across its skin care and body care offerings.

Massage Envy does not sponsor or administer the grant program and is not affiliated with or endorse any massage school, including grant recipients.

All applications must be received no later than April 30. All questions on the application form must be answered. AMTA is not responsible for incomplete, illegible, lost, or misdirected applications or for changes to applicant information. All applications become the property of AMTA and will not be returned. Any school awarded a grant must sign a release of liability and publicity release as a condition prior to receiving grant funding. Grant funds awarded must be used only to support the school and its students. Other terms and conditions may apply.