Lesbian Giving-and Getting: Tending Radical Roots in an Era of Venture Philanthropy

This paper explores the landscape of lesbian philanthropy amid the rise of venture philanthropy. It examines how lesbian donors navigate tensions between radical grassroots origins and the formalized, metrics-driven models of mainstream funding. The study draws on interviews and data to assess how donors balance identity-based giving with strategic approaches aligned to impact and accountability. The paper reflects on key themes including financial stewardship, institutional development, and community engagement. It critiques the risk of depoliticizing radical agendas in the process of professionalisation and offers insights on preserving values while adapting to evolving funding ecosystems.