WICHITA, KAN. — Goodwill Industries of Kansas has been announced as the recipient of a $5 million dollar donation from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to be used in support of its mission services.
The surprise gift was announced earlier this week in a Medium post by Scott that recognized 384 other national organizations on the receiving end of the unsolicited donations. This transformative and generous investment is the largest gift the organization has ever received.
“We are truly humbled by this generous gift. To be selected is an acknowledgment of the work we do every day to provide opportunities and training to those with disabilities and other job barriers. Our mission is especially crucial during this time when thousands of Kansans are struggling to find jobs,” said Emily Compton, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kansas. “This donation will serve as a catalyst for accelerating our transformative work.”
Although Goodwill was not privy to the donor’s entire selection process, it is understood that Scott’s team sought suggestions and perspective from hundreds of experts, funders, non-profit leaders, and volunteers. This informed process helps confirm the effectiveness of Goodwill Industries of Kansas’ operations.
Because of the surprise announcement, Goodwill Industries of Kansas board of directors and leadership have not yet determined how specifically to utilize the funds but are committed to using the gift to bolster its mission services.
“The gift will open so many doors for us to be able to serve and assist even more Kansans which is what we strive for year after year.” said Chris Stanyer, Vice President of Career Services. “It will allow us to continue helping people overcome challenges, build skills, find jobs and grow their careers through the services we provide and the partnerships we’ve established.”
Though most see Goodwill as just a thrift store, Goodwill Industries of Kansas exists to provide job training and educational opportunities to those with disabilities and other employment barriers. Donations such as this one, in addition to revenue from stores, help Goodwill provide programs and services to thousands of Kansans with disabilities and other employment barriers each year.
For each dollar donated, 90 cents goes directly to help people with disabilities and employment barriers experience the power of work in Kansas. Make a one-time donation, or make recurring gifts for ongoing impact.
About Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Goodwill Industries of Kansas provides opportunities for people with disabilities and barriers to employment seeking independent and productive lives. Hundreds of people with disabilities receive case management services and develop life and job skills through employment at Goodwill’s home office and in the community. Whether it be recycling donated items or preparing insulation for local aviation manufacturers, Goodwill clients and employees have found success and become more independent through work in our contracts division.
In addition, adults work toward their GED and other certificate programs through NexStep Alliance, a partnership between Goodwill and WSU Tech. Goodwill serves more than 1,400 individuals receive services each year. These programs are supported by 18 retail stores in Kansas along with an online division at shopgoodwill.com/ks. For more information about Goodwill, visit goodwillks.org.
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