Long before he stood on stage at Brisbane City Hall receiving one of Queensland’s highest philanthropy honours, Ryan Ginard had already begun planting seeds for the future — not with fanfare, but through a quiet commitment to backing others.
Alongside his more visible initiatives, Ginard founded the Emerging Leaders Fund, a giving vehicle designed to support grassroots organisations helping young people become confident, values-driven leaders. The fund provides small, flexible grants to Australian initiatives focused on youth empowerment, community resilience, and inclusive civic dialogue. Its structure reflects Ginard’s belief in supporting frontline changemakers without burdensome red tape — offering trust as much as funding.
That community-centred mindset, formed in part during his university years at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), is now the hallmark of a career defined by purpose.
Award-Winning Impact
The former northside Brisbane local was recently awarded the 2025 Philanthropy Innovation Award at the Queensland Philanthropy Awards, held before more than 1,000 guests during Queensland Philanthropy Week. The award recognises bold leadership and long-term contributions to the sector — and Ginard’s work fits that description.
His flagship initiative, Fundraise For Australia, is a national social enterprise working to professionalise the fundraising field and build a stronger pipeline of values-led talent. The program includes Australia’s first fundraising fellowship and has already supported more than 100 fundraisers in developing the skills, confidence, and ethical grounding to support community organisations across the country.
It’s a response to a pressing problem: although Queensland is home to thousands of for-purpose organisations, the state receives just six per cent of national philanthropic funding. Ginard set out to change that — not just by raising awareness, but by building capability.
“This is a proud moment that reflects the incredible community and collective impact that has grown around Fundraise For Australia,” Ginard said in his acceptance speech. “It’s an honour to be recognised alongside so many inspiring individuals and organisations working to strengthen Queensland’s for-purpose sector.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
From Brisbane to Canberra
Before stepping onto the national stage, Ginard’s journey began in Brisbane’s north, where his early experiences shaped a practical approach to leadership and service. He credits his time at QUT with helping him turn big-picture values into real-world tools — lessons that continue to guide his work.
Now based in Canberra, Ginard leads the advancement team at the Australian National University’s College of Business and Economics. There, he works at the intersection of philanthropy, education, and economic impact — but his focus on community remains central.
Ginard’s award was presented by QUT Vice-Chancellor Margaret Sheil AO — a proud moment for the alumnus who once walked the halls of his alma mater QUT with ambition, a dream in his heart, and the beginnings of a blueprint. For him, the recognition marks not just a personal milestone, but a reminder of the community that helped shape his path.
Like Father, Like Son
His values are also reflected at home. His young son Roman recently launched Roman Gives, a child-led giving project where he donates toys, raises funds, and learns about empathy and action. Watching his son’s early steps into philanthropy has given Ginard fresh perspective on legacy — not just in terms of career achievements, but in the values passed on to the next generation.
It’s a glimpse into the kind of world Ginard has been quietly building all along — one where leadership, generosity, and community aren’t just roles, but lived experiences.
Looking Ahead
Ginard hopes to expand Fundraise For Australia, continue advocating for policy reform, and invest in a future where philanthropy is more inclusive, more local, and more human. Whether through national platforms or behind-the-scenes grantmaking, his approach remains the same: support those doing the work, centre their voices, and keep the focus on long-term impact.
As the lights dimmed at Brisbane City Hall and the applause faded, Ginard quietly returned to what he does best — backing others to lead.
Published 16-June-2025
