OVERVIEW

Network of 184 independent, community-based organizations in the U.S., Canada, and 14 other countries.

Provides job training and employment services, job placement opportunities and post-employment support.

Strengthens communities and families by training people to become independent, tax-paying members of society.

2007 HIGHLIGHTS

1.1 million people benefited from Goodwill career services.

140,056 people placed in competitive jobs – that’s every 53 seconds of every business day.

$3.2 billion total revenue.

84 percent of revenues funded employment programs and support services.

2,200+ retail stores and an online auction site, www.shopgoodwill.com.

65 million donors.

Mott Foundation Grant to Fund Goodwill Micro-Enterprise Study

March 26, 2008

Rockville, MD – The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has awarded Goodwill Industries International a $35,000 planning grant to develop a micro-enterprise model that can be replicated at local Goodwill agencies nationwide. Funded through Mott’s Pathways Out of Poverty Program, the study will focus on BusinessNOW, a micro-enterprise program at Goodwill Industries of North Georgia (Atlanta).

“Atlanta Goodwill’s BusinessNOW program is a proven model for helping low-income individuals start and grow their own businesses,” says George W. Kessinger, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “The Mott grant will allow Goodwill to identify and create the tools and training necessary to launch customized micro-enterprise programs at any Goodwill agency, regardless of its size or location.”

With the Mott Foundation grant, Goodwill will study and document the lessons learned and best practices of the Atlanta Goodwill’s BusinessNOW program. During its more than 10 years of operation, BusinessNOW has helped dozens of people start successful small businesses. The program elements include self-employment training, business plan assessment, and post-training follow up. Building on BusinessNOW’s success, two years ago the Atlanta Goodwill launched NegocioNOW for Spanish speakers.

“Our goal is to help people move out of poverty and achieve long-term financial stability for themselves and their families,” Kessinger says. “With this grant, we hope to help turn small business dreams into reality.”

To find your local Goodwill, visit www.goodwill.org, or call (800) 664-6577.

For free broadcast-quality video, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/Goodwill.

Lauren Lawson
Manager, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5266
Cell:	(240) 388-8309

Charlene Sarmiento
Specialist, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5590
Cell:	(240) 620-7703