Goodwill
Is This Your Business?4.1
4.1
Author: Kaitlyn Short
LAST UPDATED: November 21st, 2024
Goodwill Industries International was founded by a Methodist minister, Reverend Edgar J. Helms. As part of his ministry and work to help those in need, he collected items which were discarded by more affluent households and brought them to those with whom he was working for repair and distribution. His vision of creating self sufficiency has grown to a large network of independent organizations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Panama, and Uruguay. Each Goodwill Industries International is independently operated, and done so by region. As such policies for stores, etc. vary greatly. All information in this review is focused on the headquarters of Goodwill Industries International, which is located in Rockville, Maryland.
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The Good
- Inexpensive fundraising expenses
- 83 percent of revenue spent on program delivery
- Financial information is accessible
Total Income
Goodwill Industries International received $73,884,867 in 2015, down from $89,979,218 in 2014. The organization had total revenue of $53,902,760 in 2013. The dips in support coincide with false information and negative publicity.Administrative Expenses
Goodwill Industries International reported that in 2015, of its annual income of $89,979,218, that $3,591,289 was used for administrative expenses. The CEO of Goodwill Industries International, Jim Gibbons, received a salary of $745,000 in 2013. Contrary to reports of the top management of Goodwill Industries International earning extravagant salaries, it should be noted that in 2014, Mr. Gibbons took a pay cut of over $100,000, with a salary of $639,085. This salary data is comparable to that for others in leadership positions for charitable organizations of that size and scope, and nowhere near the purported $2.3 million salary which is often circulated via email and social media posts.Fundraising Expenses
When comparing to many other comparably-sized charitable organizations, Goodwill Industries International does not devote much of their annual revenue towards fundraising. The 2015 fundraising expense reported was only $512,072.Program Percentage
Those supporting Goodwill Industries International are often curious about the amount of their donation (either monetary or of goods to be sold in a Goodwill's store) which goes towards the program of providing employment and training for those needing assistance. 83 percent of all revenue is spent on the program.Accessible Financial Information
Goodwill Industries International has published their financial information and annual reports online, however the only way which the review team was able to find them was by performing a direct search on Google. Many other charitable organizations post links to their financial information and annual reports on their website.Donor Communication
Goodwill Industries International collects their donor's contact information and may send donors solicitations for additional donations and announcements about upcoming events or programs. Donor names can be published by Goodwill International Industries, unless the donor specifically requests to opt-out.Awards
Goodwill Industries International has won several awards for efforts in improving career opportunities for individuals. A few of these include: 2016 - Ability One Network Awards- Performance Excellence in Government Contracts Award: signifies the successful partnership of the Ability One Network with Goodwill agencies in providing support to individuals with disabilities.
- Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina (Charleston)
- Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
- Leadership Excellence Award: recognizing Goodwill Industries International's Executive Development Program in the Best Corporate University Category
- Top Corporate Leader Award: Lane Schonour
- Winner in the Not-For-Profit category for their Donate Movement public service announcements
What Customers Are Saying
Customers of Goodwill Industries International retail stores report a high level of satisfaction with the majority of their experiences with the company. While this is not absolute, because stores are managed by different affiliates, the ratio of positive to negative experiences is comparable to those reported for other retail entities. Mission and Program Goodwill Industries International works to offer on-the-job training for those who might have difficulties finding and keeping employment for a variety of reasons, including disability, lack of experience, or even having a criminal background. By doing so, Goodwill creates opportunities for those who are in need, giving them tools to work toward self-sufficiency. Ease of Donation/Support Those choosing to support Goodwill Industries can do so by giving a monetary gift or by donating household goods to a local Goodwill Center for resale in a Goodwill Industries store. Businesses looking to support Goodwill Industries International's mission can become a partner and either create a job for one of the people who have worked at Goodwill Industries International or received training from the organization. Mutual Benefit For those looking to donate goods to Goodwill Industries International, the process allows them to remove unwanted or unneeded items from their home. By so doing, their donation is not sent to a landfill and is repurposed into another's home. Those shopping at Goodwill Industries are able to save money on their purchases, as items at Goodwill Industries stores are priced below retail. Those working with the donations at donation centers or in the retail stores are able to receive on-the-job training and become more self-sufficient.The Bad
- Negative press
- Lack of transparency
Negative Press
Almost every year and often around the holidays, an email circulates with information about various charities and the ways they are purported to use donations. Goodwill Industries International is mentioned in the email, complete with top secret information about their CEO and his salary. The biggest problem with this email is that the reported CEO of Goodwill is a person who has never been the CEO, and is otherwise unknown, Mark Curran ($2.3 million annual salary). The current CEO of Goodwill Industries International is Jim Gibbons, and his salary is proportionate with other non-profits, being $745,000 in 2013 and $639,085 in 2014. Another allegation is that Goodwill Industries International exploits disabled workers and pays them wages as low as $0.22/hour by using Special Minimum Wage Certificates. There is some truth in this, being that the wage certificates are used with a very small percentage of employees, but there is no actual proof of a wage this low. One area which is often neglected in this allegation is that Goodwill Industries International offers employees with a significant disability additional training and benefits, which can result in these employees making more than their "abled" co-workers. Variability of Store Policies and Practices Being that Goodwill Industries International has many affiliates and sub-organizations which are managed independently of the charity's headquarters, there is variability in store policies and practices. The organization does not operate as a strict franchise, with uniform expectations and policies. This can be frustrating for many who want a cookie-cutter experience with the retail stores that they frequent. When there are challenges, customers are not able to escalate their concerns with higher management or to company headquarters. Doing so results in a response that all affiliates are run independently, which often further frustrates and already frustrated customer. Lack of Transparency Goodwill Industries International, having so many affiliate locations which are run independently, does not have full disclosure about their individual organizations. There are many who have complaints with one location and then transfer their bad experience to the organization as a whole. This is unfortunate because the program as a whole has produced good results.The Bottom Line
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TC B Florissant, CO
Growing up it was always reinforced to me to give to others, and Goodwill was one of those charities that was respected in our community that gave back to underprivileged, provided educational and employment teaching opportunities, and gave back more than they received. Thus, the 2 stars- otherwise it would be 1 star. Unbeknownst to me, Goodwill is now a franchise opportunity. The Goodwill thrift shop in the town next to me- the owner is a multi-millionaire based on owning these stores. The prices in the thrift stores are outrageous and I am not sure how people down on their luck afford to buy badly needed clothing items for their family. It saddens me that Goodwill has become focused on profit versus giving back to the community.
1 year ago
Ana Fischer Chicago, IL
Today 03/21 I went to Goodwill in Lebanon, I found this used basket in regular condition for $5.99 which was a very high price, I went to talk to an employee thinking someone may make a mistake. The person was extremely disrespectful and rude. She told me just let the basket there someone else will buy it..and we are not going to change the price!..I wasn't going to buy it or ask her to change the price pAs a manager my whole life, I can tell you, some prices are wrong for the condition of the items..and this specific girl..doesn't have any clue about customer service, I would never donate to This company again
3 years ago
Prayer Partner Jacksonville, FL
You can usually find some very good prices in a thrift store. Goodwill has gone downhill in the past few years and I haven't been in one in probably 10 years now. Why? When I used to go once or twice a month? Because my husband needed a pair of jeans and we went to Goodwill. There was a pair of jean there, brand new, still had the tags, Walmart price big as life, had been marked down to $9.99 at Walmart. Goodwill was selling them for $12.99. I knew that was the wrong price but when he picked up another pair, tags from Walmart showed a mark down to $7.00 and Goodwill was selling them for $9.00. So, we left and went to Walmart and looked at the markdowns. Found much better deals than they had at Goodwill.
3 years ago
LeAnn Baytown, TX
I have been taking my donations to Goodwill for years and recently stopped because of an incident that I witnessed in the store. A Mother was buying a winter jacket for her daughter and was a couple dollars short. The clerk was so rude as the lady tried to dig in her purse to find the extra money. The gentleman behind her gave the mom the money to help her out… but in my mind, I would think that since literally everything is donated to them, the clerk could had asked her manager to discount the coat for her. It was just overwhelming for me to see the clerk be so rude while the lady was obviously struggling.
3 years ago
David Adrian Morales Weslaco, TX
Too expensive for some things. Might as well go to a store. They make a good profit from free stuff. They get free work with community service workers. They are Not that charitable but are more of a business these days profiting off the community.
1 year ago
Jewelleah Kempers Los Angeles, CA
Goodwill is one of those huge disappointments once you get to know the corporate policies and treatment of its employees. It's downright scandalous and they actually do NOT donate any cash money to charities elsewhere. Very misleading when people give them all the merchandise they sell as a free donation!
2 years ago
Elizabeth LaFlamme Anderson, SC
I do not support the ethics behind this large company and their employment tactics, but I do shop here at times and think the store could restructure to maintain better cleanliness.
2 years ago
John Kohlberg Long Beach, MS
I honestly think goodwill is a scam. From what ive seen and heard about this company is not so good. It would be one of my last choices because they basically keep what you give them to sell. Its not charity
5 years ago
Asadullah Plano, TX
Goodwill has turned into a profitable enterprise. They have been marking their used items at prices as if they were new items.
1 year ago
Clemmie & Mandy Johnson San Jose, CA
The concept of Goodwill probably started off with good intentions but it’s become a moneymaking business. Their prices are ridiculously high!!
1 year ago
eunj ,
Not a legitimate charity and profits off of free products from the public. Choose another thrift store.
5 years ago
Charlayne Washington, DC
The Goodwill on Richmond Highway Alexandria VA . Have non customer service personnel working at the pick up area.
6 years ago
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Danielle Powell Long Beach, MS
The quality seems to be declining over the last few years. Broken appliances, overpriced clothes. This makes it hard to support this charity.
5 years ago
April LeAnn Bowling Green, KY
Goodwill is an okay place. However, their prices are much too high for what they are selling.
2 years ago
Karina Aguilar Managua, MN
goodwill gets all their merchandise from donations but the overcharge on everything
5 years ago
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Ashley Provo, UT
I like their fifty percent off days. It makes it worth it. The employees are helpful
5 years ago
Monique Snow Sterling, CT
Not the greatest selection. I probably wouldn't go back
2 years ago Edited July 6, 2022
