Independent Sector Announces Call for Nominations for the
2007 John W. Gardner Leadership Award

(Washington, D.C., December 11, 2006) – Independent Sector is now accepting nominations for the 2007 John W. Gardner Leadership Award. The deadline for nominations is January 31.

The John W. Gardner Award was established by Independent Sector in 1985 to honor outstanding Americans who exemplify the leadership and ideals of John W. Gardner, founding chair of Independent Sector.

The award recognizes living Americans, working in or with the nonprofit sector, who have mobilized and unified people, institutions, or causes. The individual’s leadership should have had a national or international impact and transformed his or her chosen field, thereby contributing to the greater good and raising the capacity of others to improve society. Nominees may be of any age.

The recipient will be presented with an award of $10,000 at the 2007 Independent Sector Annual Conference in Los Angeles from October 21 to 23.

Anyone may nominate an individual for the Gardner Award by filling out a nomination form and submitting a nomination letter. Nomination materials, including criteria, can be found on the IS website.

An advisor to six presidents and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964, Mr. Gardner was an active and 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 Dr. Johnnetta Cole, president of Bennett College for Women, with the 2006 John W. Gardner leadership Award, recognizing her lifelong commitment to advancing social justice and acting as a mentor to countless young leaders.

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Independent Sector is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of approximately 600 charities, foundations, and corporate philanthropy 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 charitable community.