John W. Gardner Leadership Award
The John W. Gardner Leadership Award honors visionaries and transformative nonprofit changemakers who exemplify the leadership and ideals of American statesman and Independent Sector co-founder John W. Gardner.
Congratulations to Our 2025 Winner: Art Taylor
The winner of the 2025 John W. Gardner Leadership Award is Herman “Art” Taylor, President and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Taylor will receive the award at a special presentation during Independent Sector’s National Summit on October 29, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
“The nonprofit sector thrives when people can believe in the integrity of its work — and I have deep faith in nonprofit institutions to carry out our philanthropic aspirations. I’ve dedicated my career to helping donors give with confidence and supporting nonprofits in honoring that confidence through BBB accountability standards and now the ethical code to which AFP members adhere. When nonprofits uphold these standards and fundraisers act ethically, they serve as vital vessels for our collective hopes and our commitment to the common good,” said Art Taylor, President and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
“I’m deeply honored to receive the John W. Gardner Leadership Award and to join the many extraordinary leaders who have been recognized before me. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration across our sector — fundraisers, nonprofits, and the communities we serve — to strengthen trust and advance our shared philanthropic vision,” said Taylor.
About the Gardner Award
This national award, established in 1985, honors outstanding Americans who exemplify the leadership and ideals of John W. Gardner (1912-2002), statesman and founding chair of Independent Sector.
Working with a selection committee of national leaders who are Independent Sector members, we present the award annually to one or more individuals whose leadership in or with the nonprofit community has helped transform, mobilize and unify people, institutions, or causes that help create a nation where all can thrive.
