Call for Funders: Academic Fellowship for Non-Monogamy Research

Written By Administrator OPEN

Expanding the World's Largest Study of Non-Monogamous Individuals

OPEN is seeking a co-sponsor for our Academic Research Fellowship to transform our annual Community Survey into a peer-reviewed publication and earned media opportunity. Multiamory, the leading non-monogamy podcast with over 10 million downloads, has committed $6,000 as our lead sponsor. We're seeking an additional co-sponsor to complete the $12,000 funding goal.

This investment will fund a collaboration between OPEN and a leading academic researcher in non-monogamy to design, implement, and publish what will likely be the largest study of non-monogamous individuals conducted to date.

A Unique Research Opportunity

Since 2022, OPEN's Community Survey has grown significantly, reaching over 4,500 respondents across 70+ countries in 2024. With your support, we can elevate this research through:

  • IRB approval and enhanced methodological rigor

  • Peer-reviewed publication in an academic journal

  • More granular analysis of discrimination patterns

  • Media coverage through academic channels

  • Creation of a citable resource for policymakers and researchers

Why This Research Matters

Despite growing visibility, non-monogamous individuals continue to face significant barriers:

  • 60% of respondents reported experiencing discrimination based on their relationship structure

  • Non-monogamous families face challenges in housing, healthcare, employment, and more

  • The field remains severely understudied

  • Evidence-based advocacy requires rigorous, peer-reviewed research

As OPEN continues to advance non-discrimination protections and workplace inclusion policies, academically validated research strengthens our case with policymakers.

The Fellowship Structure

The fellowship will fund a 3-month collaboration with a leading non-monogamy researcher, focused on:

  • Collaborative survey design refinement

  • Securing IRB approval through an academic institution

  • Implementation of enhanced methodological approaches

  • Data analysis and manuscript preparation

  • Coordinated media outreach leveraging academic channels

Your Impact: A Named Fellowship Opportunity

Your co-sponsorship investment of $6,000 helps complete our funding goal:

  • Academic fellow's stipend ($9,000)

  • University indirect costs ($1,500)

  • OPEN administrative overhead ($1,500)

As our co-sponsor alongside Multiamory, you'll receive:

  • Shared naming rights and recognition in all fellowship materials and published research

  • Acknowledgment in press releases and media coverage

  • Early access to research findings

  • Recognition in OPEN's annual impact report and websiteAbout OPEN

About OPEN

OPEN is the first national organization with professional staff dedicated exclusively to advancing rights for non-monogamous individuals and families. Our achievements include:

  • Successfully passing non-discrimination protections in Berkeley and Oakland

  • Partnering with Fortune 500 companies on inclusive workplace policies

  • Producing educational resources and community support programs

  • Coordinating the global Week of Visibility for Non-monogamy

Next Steps

If you're interested in co-sponsoring this fellowship, please contact Brett Chamberlin, Executive Director, at brett@open-love.org or (603) 978-9095.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss potential academic partners, specific research questions, recognition opportunities, and implementation timeline.

Administrator OPEN
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