John W. Gardner Leadership Award

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. Independent Sector presents the award each year to an individual whose leadership in or with the nonprofit community has been transformative and who has mobilized and unified people, institutions, or causes that improve the quality of life on our planet.

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE
2019 JOHN W. GARDNER LEADERSHIP AWARD

As a changemaker , you have a special perspective on colleagues, mentors, and personal heroes who are solving society’s biggest challenges. You’re invited to celebrate these leaders by nominating them for the John W. Gardner Leadership Award.

Nominations should be made without the candidate’s knowledge and must be submitted by April 12, 2019.

Submit a Nomination

FAQS

What is the John W. Gardner Leadership Award?

The John W. Gardner Leadership Award honors visionaries who have empowered constituencies, strengthened participation, and inspired movements; builders – people who, quite apart from personal achievements, have raised the capacity of others to advance the common good; and those whose leadership has either had national or international impact or, if at the regional level, has attracted wider recognition and imitation. Award recipients may be the creators of needed institutions or may concentrate on education and advocacy that changes public opinion. Whatever means they use, their work has transformed their chosen field, has served as a role model to other fields, and has had a significant impact on advancing not only their own institutional interests, but also the broader interests of the charitable community.

Who is eligible for the award?

The award honors visionaries who have empowered constituencies, strengthened participation, and inspired movements; builders – people who, quite apart from personal achievements, have raised the capacity of others to advance the common good; and those whose leadership has either had national or international impact or, if at the regional level, has attracted wider recognition and imitation. Award recipients may be the creators of needed institutions or may concentrate on education and advocacy that changes public opinion. Whatever means they use, their work has transformed their chosen field, has served as a role model to other fields, and has had a significant impact on advancing not only their own institutional interests, but also the broader interests of the charitable community. Two or more individuals, whose combined leadership demonstrates a strong and successful collaboration resulting in the breadth of impact and advancement of the common good contemplated by the Award, are eligible to be nominated and honored jointly.

How can I nominate someone for the award?

Nominations should be made by completing an online form. Nominations must be made without the candidate’s knowledge and submitted by April 12.

What is the application process?

All nominations will be evaluated by a national blue-ribbon panel, and additional information may be requested for finalists. The winner will be selected and notified in the summer, and the award will be presented at Upswell Chicago, November 13-15, 2019. The winner must be able to confirm presence at the award ceremony.