The John W. Gardner Leadership Award was established in 1985 to honor outstanding Americans who exemplify the leadership and the ideals of John W. Gardner (1912-2002), American statesman and founding chair of Independent Sector.

The John W. Gardner Leadership Award recognizes living Americans working in or with the nonprofit community whose leadership has been transformative and who have mobilized and unified people, institutions, or causes that improve people’s lives. The award honors visionaries who have empowered constituencies, strengthened participation, and inspired movements.

Award recipients are builders -- people who, quite apart from personal achievements, have raised the capacity of others to advance the common good. Their leadership has either had national or international impact or, if at the regional level, has attracted wide recognition and imitation.

Nominations are Now Closed

The selection committee is now reviewing nominations for the 2012 award.

Read our FAQs to learn more about the process.

John W. Gardner was the ultimate builder of ideas and unifier of people and causes. He was an active and distinguished participant in America's educational, philanthropic, and political life.
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Past Recipients

The 2011 Gardner Award Recipient Bill Drayton, founder and CEO of Ashoka, pictured with Bernie Milano, president at KPMG Foundation.

Past recipients of the John W. Gardner Leadership Award include General Colin and Alma Powell, Geoffrey Canada, and Susan V. Berresford. Learn More