Faced with mounting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the country and attacks on DEI in higher education, philanthropists at Indiana University unite to uplift queer students, faculty, and staff across the university through a giving circle model that has strengthened existing donor relationships while building a strong pipeline of young, diverse donors. In this session, we will discuss the successes and challenges of creating an identity-based giving circle and share lessons learned along the way. Come prepared to engage in open dialog about the current landscape of LGBTQ+ programs in higher education and how private philanthropy can support the community in uneasy times.