We provide funding and advocacy support for male contraception research and development.
Male Contraceptive Initiative Organizational Overview
Male Contraceptive Initiative (MCI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Durham, North Carolina, USA and founded in 2014. We provide research and advocacy support for the development of new methods of non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptives in order to empower men and couples with the resources they need to meaningfully and equitably contribute to family planning goals.
Male Contraceptive Initiative’s Theory of Change
We believe in and advocate for "Reproductive Autonomy for All".
Male Contraceptive Initiative’s vision is “Reproductive Autonomy for All”, and it is rooted in the foundation of the hopeful reality we work diligently to achieve: a world where everyone has the resources necessary for reproductive freedom.
While reproduction takes two people, the responsibilities, and subsequently resources, for family planning are overwhelmingly focused on women. This imbalance has far-reaching implications, negatively affecting issues as diverse as gender dynamics as well as rates of unintended pregnancies. Both egg- and sperm-producers need access to a robust method mix of contraceptives to meaningfully bring balance to contraceptive access and responsibility. We cannot have reproductive autonomy for anyone without contraception for everyone.
Male Contraceptive Initiative’s focus is on supporting the development of new forms of non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptives. We do this through funding and advocacy efforts, and we envision these novel contraceptives as tools that empower humans of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Male Contraceptive Initiative’s Vision Statement
We fund research developing the next generation of male contraceptives.
At Male Contraceptive Initiative, we believe that new ideas can come to fruition in many ways. We support scientists, students, and researchers across the globe, working in academia, private industry, and the nonprofit sector.
Our grant portfolio of long and short term funding opportunities in the field accelerate the development of contraceptives like devices that can last for years, on-demand contraceptives, implants that can deliver contraceptives over time, daily pills, and more. Through our Contraceptive Accelerator Network, we take on the development of specific projects with a mission-centric approach that ensures promising non-hormonal, reversible contraceptive targets receive the support necessary to develop them as next generation birth control methods delivered to those who produce sperm. The Contraceptive Accelerator Network, LLC was spun out from MCI as a wholly owned, for profit subsidiary with $1.0M in private investment. Other areas of investment include moonshot projects and early career support for young investigators.
Male Contraceptive Initiative’s Funding Mechanisms
At Male Contraceptive Initiative, we understand the existing problems with family planning methods and work towards creating meaningful, lasting solutions.
PROBLEMS
- There are ~121 million unintended pregnancies per year globally but current contraceptive options focus on only half of the population
- Couples want more resources to help them prevent or delay pregnancy
- The current contraceptive method mix is predominantly female and hormonal
- Burden falls to women with undesirable side effects, safety concerns, no reversible, long-acting options for men, and a high level of unmet need
SOLUTION
- Expand contraceptive method mix to include non-hormonal, reversible male contraceptive methods in order to:
- Provide equitable contraceptive options for men & women
- Allow couples to share responsibility for contraception
- Provide choices in methods across reproductive life-stages
- Develop a favorable safety profile with fewer side effects than hormonal methods
The Development Pipeline
Male Contraceptive Initiative's approach is to facilitate collaboration amongst researchers to share resources and maximize fundraising potential in order to accelerate the time to market for new male contraceptives.
We seek to accomplish this by:
- Providing grants to support research & development efforts
- Investing in promising targets and companies developing new male contraceptives
- Driving advocacy efforts to increase investor and public support
- Incentivizing researchers to transition from competing for limited funding to working together to maximize fund-raising potential and expedite development timelines
- Supporting a small field of dedicated scientists collaborating to move the field further faster
As a small, nimble nonprofit, we rely heavily on the support of engaged and enthusiastic partners to achieve our objectives. We understand the importance, and potential impact, of every dollar, and we appreciate the timelines and constraints that our grantees face. We seek like-minded partners aligned with our vision and passionate about creating real impact in the world.
