Goodwill
Is This Your Business?4.2
4.2
Author: Jenna Vasquez
LAST UPDATED: April 3rd, 2022
Top Ranked Companies
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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Kay
Recently, I took two plastic sleds to my local Goodwill store. The donation attendant told me they could not take the first one, because there was a crack in it---the crack being one or two inches long, and there were no grip handles on the side, although my children still used it without handles. To be honest, I did not notice the crack until she pointed it out.
The second sled was a little dirty, (probably a matter of five minutes with a soapy cloth)and she said they had no time to clean it, and besides the "Millenials" would want something a little more modern. I looked on WalMart's website, and the sled that I was offering was very similar to one being sold for $25. So I'm not sure what the "Millenials" comment was about---perhaps they look like Batmobile for a racing type. What about families that can't afford $40 or$50 for a more modern sled. Then she suggested taking them to the Salvation Army, as they were not as "picky" as Goodwill.
I've donated many items to Goodwill in the past, and have never had any of the attendants refuse items. Is this a new policy--or was the attendant out of line?
7 years ago
MindyV Lubbock, TX
I like Goodwill, they have a good selection of things to choose from and they have great locations for you to donate your items too. The only problem is that the CEO makes WAY too much money for a company that is supposed to be helping others. That's NOT good will at all!!!!!! I understand wanting to make money and provide for your family but the CEO makes millions or billions while so many other suffer to make ends meet.
5 years ago
Maria La Puente, CA
I have been buying from Goodwill for more than 30 years and never before had the employees of the stores assaulted the customers asking for donations of their change until the last coin, seems like they think the people go to the used things store because they are rich. Also the stores are run by two or three employees who have to do everything, including disturbing the buyers.
6 years ago
Alicia Holman Gilbert, AZ
I like the fact that you can go to the store and buy used items, but I do feel that the people that price the items aren't pricing them correctly, so a lot of the items sit there. I also think it's great that they help employee people who need jobs.
8 years ago
Bethany Burleson Elkridge, MD
Prices used to be Great, but they are sometimes as expensive as buying new online. Good selection of items and most stores are large and clean in general, but the prices are too high for second-hand clothing and merchandise.
4 years ago
Dougie D Harold, KY
With prices at most locations jacked up higher than buying from a major mall store, staff is usually rude and unhelpful and management is more into sitting at desk playing on phone than helping the undertrained staff.
4 years ago
Angelina Hamilton Gulfport, MS
Going to their store are a hit and miss. Sometimes they have good deals and other times they want way too much for stuff. I get they are trying to make a profit but some of the stuff you could pay a little more and get new.
6 years ago
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Debbie Fish Biloxi, MS
Goodwill stores used to be a great place to find bargains but lately they have been pricing themselves like they are Target or better. Not sure enough of my donations go to the right places but I’m sure they are helping the community
6 years ago
Sav Flo Salt Lake City, UT
I appreciate that there is a location were I can drop off my gently used items that I don't care for anymore and that someone else can benefit from them for a cheaper price.
9 years ago
Nathan D. Warrendale, PA
There are a lot of Goodwill stores in the Pittsburgh area and it's great to help out the less fortunate find clothing and home goods. I have bought a few items for costumes and home decor from several locations.
6 years ago
Amanda Warrendale, PA
They need to clean their products and filter through damaged items. I've bought many items with stains and holes, for $7 a piece. Racks are too crowded.
6 years ago
London Larson Layton, UT
every now and then you can have a good find from here. they can also have stuff that is trashed and not amazing.
6 years ago
Laurie Massie Lakeland, FL
I’m really disappointed in Goodwill. I wish they would actually offer more of their profits to local charities.
6 years ago
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Tajanae Smith Kansas City, MO
I absolutely love goodwill good deals and sometimes good clothes it a great way to get cheap and semi good clothes locally
6 years ago
amycray Bangor, ME
Goodwill has been great for donor drop off and the shopping experience is good.
5 years ago
Juan Beaver, PA
I often like to go to goodwill and browse. at times i can find some nice stuff for cheap.
6 years ago
