Open source is as sustainable as a closed business model in some sectors as long as you are willing to be creative.

I've invested/funded/donated to several OS projects. I don't really expect to make money in most. I do it for the same reason I give large tips time to time.

Somebody has to do it because the value they are providing is IMMENSE.

I ask nothing in return. I give without really thinking about maximizing profit. The way I see it is that when you give to good cause the universe will reward you in ways you don't expect.

I encourage others who are successful to give to OS projects especially folks who work on projects full time with little to no way of supporting themselves because they can't memorize graph algorithms or do whiteboard interviews or neurally diverse.

As much as I have gripes with Github as a corporate entity, it's platform does serve a useful purpose in that it facilitates the movement of capital to OS projects.