(WASHINGTON, December 11, 2008) -- Independent Sector is now accepting nominations for the 2009 John W. Gardner Leadership Award, which recognizes 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 lives. The deadline for nominations is January 30, 2009.

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 works with people across America's nonprofit community to identify a recipient who is a beacon of achievement. Winners of the Gardner Award are models for both current and future members of our sector. Recognizing them strengthens and uplifts our entire community.

An advisor to six presidents and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964, Mr. Gardner was a distinguished participant in America's educational, philanthropic, and political life, and his many achievements stand as a tribute to the principles this award celebrates.

Independent Sector honored Robert Greenstein, founder and executive director of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, with the 2008 John W. Gardner Leadership Award for promoting rigorous analysis of budget and tax policies that has improved the lives of millions of low- and moderate-income people and for enabling hundreds of nonprofit organizations to engage in policy debates so they can better serve their communities.

The recipient will be presented with a prize of $10,000 and a replica of an original relief bust of John Gardner by the late sculptor Frederick Hart. The award will be presented at the 2009 Independent Sector Annual Conference in Detroit, November 4-6.

Anyone may nominate an individual for the Gardner Award by filling out a nomination form and submitting a nomination letter. Nomination materials, including criteria, are available here.

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Independent Sector is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of approximately 550 charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation. Its mission is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the nonprofit and philanthropic community.