Call for Funders: Academic Fellowship for Non-Monogamy Research
Expanding the World's Largest Study of Non-Monogamous Individuals
OPEN is seeking a sponsor for our Academic Research Fellowship to transform our annual Community Survey into a peer-reviewed publication and earned media opportunity. This investment will fund a collaboration between OPEN and an academic researcher 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 researcher in psychology or public health, 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 investment of $12,000 covers:
Academic fellow's stipend ($9,000)
University indirect costs ($1,500)
OPEN administrative overhead ($1,500)
As the named sponsor, you'll receive:
Recognition in all fellowship materials and the published research
Acknowledgment in press releases and media coverage
Early access to research findings
Recognition in OPEN's annual impact report and website
About OPEN
OPEN is the first 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 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.
