Philanthropy is not just for the wealthy; it’s for everybody.
One of those working towards this shift is Ryan Ginard, a philanthropy author and founder of social enterprise Fundraise for Australia. His career in organised philanthropy has seen him lead dedicated efforts in civic engagement, public policy, operations and fundraising, raising over $50 million for charity and groundbreaking academic research. He is also serving as the Head of Sector Development and Innovation for Minderoo Foundation.
At Third Sector Leaders Forum 2025, Mr Ginard will discuss how unlocking wealth, tech and impact at scale helps reimagine the future of philanthropy. Learn more about the topic at hand through our Q&A session with him.
Tell us more about Minderoo Foundation. How would you describe the work you’re doing?
Minderoo is a proudly Australian philanthropy, working to forge a fair future by courageously challenging inequalities and campaigning for meaningful change. Within our team, we’re focused on strengthening the sector itself: investing in the systems, data, tools and talent that help philanthropy become more generous, connected and systemic. We’re especially interested in how philanthropy can move towards real, lasting change – supporting policy, advocacy and field building, not just program delivery.
How could doubling charitable giving and harnessing the intergenerational wealth transfer reshape the sector’s scale and influence?
The coming wealth transfer represents not just a financial milestone but also a cultural one. If even a fraction of this capital is unlocked for public good – and done so thoughtfully – it could fundamentally shift philanthropy’s capacity to drive systems-level change. But this moment also demands new mindsets. It’s not just about giving more but also giving effectively: with transparency, humility and a willingness to cede power. That’s where the real influence lies – not just in dollars but also in how those dollars are deployed.
Why is simply giving more not enough to create a lasting change?
True, lasting change requires a confluence of approaches that go beyond giving. It means showing up consistently, sharing expertise, amplifying lived experiences and leveraging networks—not just writing cheques. It also means shifting how we give: who decides, whose voices are prioritised and what systems we’re strengthening or disrupting. Lasting impact comes when philanthropy invests in advocacy, movements and long-term relationships, blending heart, strategy and humility. It’s not about one lever – it’s about pulling them all together.
Cutting-edge donor models, innovative foundations and breakthrough nonprofit tech are transforming impact like never before. What would you consider a good example?
The future of giving depends on bridging the gap between what we build and what we believe. We’re currently seeing philanthropy evolve in two overlapping directions – what I call the Capital-H How and the lowercase how. One focuses on power: who decides, who benefits and how we drive justice through models like participatory grantmaking and trust-based philanthropy. The other is about access: the tools, platforms and tech (like AI-powered grant discovery and mobile-first giving) that are lowering barriers for donors and nonprofits alike.
If we want to truly democratise philanthropy, we need both tools built with equity in mind and equity frameworks that are open to innovation.
Is there anything you want to add or highlight? What should people look forward to in your session?
We’ll be exploring the tension – and opportunity – between scale and values, between unlocking capital and rethinking control. My hope is that people come away seeing that democratising philanthropy isn’t just an imperative – it’s also a practical strategy for deeper, more enduring impact. We’ll also shine a light on what’s actually working – emerging models, new tools and ideas that are helping philanthropy evolve in real time.
Join the conversation on making philanthropy accessible for everyone. Register for the Third Sector Leaders Forum now.
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
Trending
Popular
