AFP CEO, Art Taylor, Wins Sector-Wide Recognition at Independent Sector’s National Summit

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is proud to announce that its president and CEO, H. Art Taylor, has been named the recipient of the 2025 John W. Gardner Leadership Award by Independent Sector (IS). The award will be presented at Independent Sector’s National Summit on October 29, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

The John W. Gardner Leadership Award honors visionary and transformative nonprofit leaders who exemplify the ideals of American statesman and Independent Sector co-founder John W. Gardner. Taylor is recognized for his decades-long commitment to building public trust in the nonprofit sector. 

“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,” said Art Taylor. “Having previously served on the selection committee for this award, I know firsthand the caliber of its recipients, which makes it especially meaningful to be counted among their ranks. This recognition 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.”

Taylor’s career has been defined by a commitment to building public trust in charitable work and a steadfast belief in the power of nonprofit institutions to fulfill society’s philanthropic aspirations. Under Taylor’s leadership, AFP has elevated the role of ethical fundraising as a cornerstone of public trust in the nonprofit sector, advancing the ethical code to which AFP members adhere as a guide for transparent and accountable fundraising. Prior to joining AFP, he led the BBB Wise Giving Alliance for more than two decades, championing clear accountability standards that helped donors make informed giving decisions. Across these roles, he has dedicated decades to helping donors give with confidence and supporting nonprofits in earning and honoring that confidence. His work reflects a conviction that when nonprofits uphold these standards and fundraisers act with integrity, they strengthen the bond between organizations and the communities they serve and help the sector achieve its highest purpose: advancing the common good.

"Art receiving this award underscores AFP's leadership in promoting ethical fundraising throughout the sector," said Roger Ali, MBA, C.Dir., CFRE, chair of the AFP Global Board of Directors. "It highlights the vital role ethical and transparent fundraising plays in shaping philanthropy and building trust within the nonprofit sector. I’m excited to continue working with Art as he brings his dedication and excellence to enhancing the practices that empower fundraisers to create lasting, positive change."

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Since 1960, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising. The association works to advance effective and ethical philanthropy by providing advocacy, research, education, mentoring, collaboration and technology opportunities for the world’s largest network of professional fundraisers. AFP’s more than 25,000 members in 180+ professional chapters raise over $100 billion annually for a wide variety of charitable organizations and causes across the globe. For more information, go to afpglobal.org.

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