Medical Fitness Foundation

To support the growth of the medically-based fitness industry, the Medical Fitness Foundation (MFF) will invite grant applications for funding of evidence-based outcomes research by MFA member facilities. By its financial support of this research, the MFF seeks to identify and promote innovative programs that have been proven to benefit underserved population health categories as defined by age, gender, disease, injury or activity.

Program Guidelines

This competitive grants program will award project support of up to $10,000 to eligible organizations for specific research projects.  For 2023, grants will be limited to a total of $20,000.  Project support is defined as a set of activities conducted during a specified period of time and with clear deliverables that further the mission of the Medical Fitness Foundation.

Guidelines

  • Organizations must be member facilities of the Medical Fitness Association (MFA) and recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. MFA member facilities that do not have public charity status may apply for grants if another public charity acts as a fiscal sponsor.
  • Proposed activities must support the mission of the Medical Fitness Foundation:

“To support the growth of the medically-based fitness industry, the Medical Fitness Foundation (MFF) will invite grant applications for funding of evidence-based outcomes research by MFA member facilities. By its financial support of this research, the MFF seeks to identify and promote innovative programs that have been proven to benefit underserved population health categories as defined by age, gender, disease, injury or activity.”

  • Funds must be used for research purposes. Projects must be data-driven, show results, and be publishable.
  • Projects awarded in 2023 must be completed by 10/1/2024.
  • An interim or final report is required by 11/15/24.  Final report due 12/31/24.
  • The Foundation reserves the right to rescind a grant if the project is cancelled or delayed or if the recipient organization no longer qualifies.
  • If an organization received funding in a previous year, a final grant report must be on file at the Foundation prior to being considered for additional funding.

We do not fund:

  • Grants to individuals
  • Event sponsorships

Strong applications should demonstrate:

  • Clear health and wellness need for the project
  • Timeliness: Why is this a strategic time to invest in the project?
  • A clear and realistic, data-driven plan describing what will be accomplished
  • How this project will advance the medical fitness industry
  • A strategy for how the work, if ongoing, will be sustained beyond the grant period

The following information will be required to complete your online application beginning on August 14, 2023:

• Organization Name
• Primary Contact
• Tax-Exempt ID
• Address, City, State, Zip
• Phone
• Website URL
• Mission Statement
• Year Founded
• Project Title
• Project description and proposed work plan with timeline
• Evidence of need for the project or activity
• Background on organizational capacity
• Sustainability plan
• Other funding sources
• Anticipated number of people who will be impacted
• The following documents must be uploaded as part of your application
o Facility ownership, total employees and gross revenues
o Project budget
o Tax determination letter
o List of principal staff members involved – including titles and credentials

The online application form is below. Applications are accepted from Monday, August 14th until 5pm ET on Friday, September 22nd. Grantees will be notified by October 17th.

Questions? Click here for the Medical Fitness Foundation’s FAQs or contact Mariann Murphy, MFA VP, at mariann.murphy@medicalfitness.org.

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    The Medical Fitness Foundation supports evidence-based outcomes research by MFA member facilities. By its financial support of this research, the MFF seeks to identify and promote innovative programs that have been proven to benefit underserved population health categories as defined by age, gender, disease, injury or activity.

    Make an investment in the medical fitness industry through your tax deductible contribution today.

    Medical Fitness Foundation Board of Trustees

    Jeff Jeran – Chair

    Collette Carter – Chair-Elect

    Jennifer Lavoie – Past Chair

    Philip Raper – Secretary/Treasurer

    Tom Campbell

    Andy Graham

    Alan Loyd

    Kevin McHugh

    Doug Ribley

    Deb Riggs

    Melissa Ziegler