Open Inquiry
Promotes academic freedom and unfettered intellectual exploration in research and teaching across university disciplines
Advances open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement in higher education and academic research
About Organization
Heterodox Academy works to improve the quality of research and education in universities by promoting open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement. Based in New York, NY, the organization was founded in 2017 and reported $9.4 million in revenue for 2023, supported by 210 volunteers.
Open Inquiry
Promotes academic freedom and unfettered intellectual exploration in research and teaching across university disciplines
Viewpoint Diversity
Encourages representation of diverse ideological perspectives in academic institutions to strengthen scholarship and discourse
Constructive Disagreement
Develops frameworks and practices for productive dialogue across differences in academic and educational settings
Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.
Revenue (2023)
$9.4M
+215.5% vs 2022
Expenses (2023)
$4.9M
+104.1% vs 2022
Assets (2023)
$7.6M
+184% vs 2022
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $9,404,575 | $4,890,560 | $7,593,845 | 0 |
| 2022 | $2,980,573 | $2,395,669 | $2,673,674 | 0 |
| 2021 | $4,173,377 | $3,916,641 | $1,639,784 | 0 |
| 2020 | $2,832,778 | $2,859,589 | $1,652,564 | 16 |
| 2019 | $2,133,664 | $1,992,194 | $1,686,018 | 14 |
| 2018 | $1,944,901 | $1,185,853 | $1,087,806 | 7 |
| 2017 | $680,051 | $363,408 | $392,285 | 0 |
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.
Examines challenges to open inquiry and viewpoint diversity in academic institutions through research
Recruits and engages academic members committed to intellectual diversity and constructive dialogue
Provides educators with tools and frameworks for fostering viewpoint diversity in classrooms
Hosts discussions and events that model constructive disagreement across ideological differences
Services and programs offered by Heterodox Academy
Promotes academic freedom and intellectual diversity across universities through research, advocacy, and community building initiatives
Provides resources and training for educators to foster constructive disagreement and diverse perspectives in classroom settings
Hosts discussions bringing together educators and technologists to explore technology's effects on democratic and epistemic institutions
Builds a network of academics and educators committed to principles of open inquiry and constructive disagreement
Meet the people behind Heterodox Academy.
2017
2017
Heterodox Academy established to promote open inquiry and viewpoint diversity in higher education
2018
2018
Received IRS recognition as a tax-exempt educational organization under section 501(c)(3)
2021
2021
Revenue reached $4.2 million reflecting expanded programming and institutional partnerships
2023
2023
Revenue surged to $9.4 million demonstrating significant expansion of organizational capacity and reach
Board members, advisors, and key contributors
Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.
Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990
Total Reported (2023)
$934K
Highest Paid
$529K
John Tomasi
Compensated Officers
3
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Tomasi | President | $482,922 | $46,151 | $529,073 | 40 |
| Michael Regnier | Executive Director, Board Secretary | $230,468 | $6,185 | $236,653 | 40 |
| Nicole Barbaro Simovski | Director Of Communications, Marketing, And Events | $146,384 | $21,487 | $167,871 | 40 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Tomasi | Chief Executive Office | $466,321 | $35,750 | $502,071 | 40 |
| Kyle Sebastian Vitale | Director Of Programs | $117,292 | $5,048 | $122,340 | 40 |
| Michael Regnier | Executive Director | $80,568 | — | $80,568 | 40 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manon Loustaunau | Interim Executive Director (Outgoing) | $155,536 | $20,567 | $176,103 | 40 |
| John Tomasi | Chief Executive Office | $82,302 | $4,796 | $87,098 | 40 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debra Mashek | Former Executive Director | $206,643 | $26,031 | $232,674 | 40 |
| Manon Loustaunau | Interim Executive Director | $135,559 | $15,471 | $151,030 | 40 |
| Cory Clark | Director Of Academic Engagement | $115,853 | $10,061 | $125,914 | 40 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debra Mashek | Outgoing Executive Director | $233,922 | $33,070 | $266,992 | 40 |
| Manon Loustaunau | Interim Executive Director, Secretary | $71,254 | $2,878 | $74,132 | 40 |
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.
People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns
Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only
Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)
Total Approved
$240K
Total Forgiven
$242K
101% forgiven
Jobs Retained
16
Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)
Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings
Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.