Goodwill Manasota releases 2022 economic impact numbers

SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota has released its program numbers for 2022 and the data shows record-breaking economic impact of $108.7 million – an increase of $17.7 million over the previous year – for the nonprofit organization, which serves all of Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Hardee counties and parts of Charlotte and Lee counties. 

Goodwill’s impact is determined through gross receipts for goods and services generated in the economy through all of the organization's activities, including job placements through its Community Resource Center locations, part- and full-time employment with the organization, and total wage and salary payments – including benefits – that Goodwill Manasota employees earn and pump back into local economies. 

The data was collected through a third-party independent study, conducted by Elliott D. Pollack & Company, of the business operations of Goodwill Manasota along with the other eight Goodwill agencies throughout the State of Florida which, collectively, had an economic impact of $1.15 billion.

The study also considered fiscal impacts, such as construction on and capital improvements to new and existing facilities, taxes generated by the retail operations, taxes generated by the employees, and more. Goodwill Manasota’s 2022 fiscal impact was $24.9 million; the nine Florida Goodwills had a combined fiscal impact of $50.9 million.

Goodwill Manasota provides meaningful, effective career services and employment opportunities to people who may be struggling to find work or are looking to find better jobs. Last year, Goodwill Manasota served 3,969 people, placing 187 in jobs throughout the region (excluding the placements within local Goodwills), assisting 427 veterans, diverting 45.6 million pounds of goods from area landfills, providing 158,628 hours in education and training for its team members and employees of Goodwill partners, and collecting 220,954 pounds of food for local food banks.  

Through coaching, education and training, the organization helps team members overcome barriers that result from disability, lack of education, poor language skills, lack of financial literacy, or a variety of other obstacles that have kept them from entering or remaining in the workforce. Educational and job skills training programs teach practical, real-world skills needed for career and life success. In 2022, Goodwill provided 158,628 hours of on-the-clock training and education for 112,874 team members at Goodwill Manasota and other Goodwill organizations, enhancing employees’ career prospects and maximizing the efficiency of the operations of organizations throughout the Goodwill network. 

Last year, Goodwill Manasota served 427 veterans through its American Veterans and Their Families program, which has been in operation since 2013. Through this program, Goodwill provides comprehensive case management and free career services as well as networking opportunities through the Lutz Buddy Up program. 

Environmental stewardship is key to Goodwill Manasota’s operations. Goodwill Industries International pioneered the reduce-reuse-recycle effort in order to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve our planet for future generations. Last year, approximately 45.6 million pounds were diverted from local landfills, thanks to Goodwill Manasota’s recycling and salvage efforts, green business practices, and the resale of gently-used items donated by community members. 

“In 2022, Goodwill Manasota continued to expand its operations, with ongoing improvements to our retail and donations operations, the addition of educational and programmatic offerings, and creative partnerships to enhance our ability to serve the community,” said Donn Githens, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “Our generous community enabled us to provide programs and services to thousands of area residents and strengthen the economy in the communities we serve. We are sincerely grateful to our local volunteer board of directors, donors, shoppers, supporters, and our incredible team members, who made our significant community impact possible.”

For more about Goodwill, visit experiencegoodwill.org. 

About Goodwill Manasota

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill assists people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.