SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Local nonprofit organization Goodwill Manasota is thrilled to, once again, have access to crucial program funding through a continuing partnership with the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust. In addition to matching general donations to the organization, the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust is matching Goodwill’s “Change Round-Up” program for December of 2023, resulting in additional funding in support of Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through the power of work.

Goodwill’s Change Round-Up program, launched in 2013, is a charitable effort that enables all Goodwill shoppers to be philanthropists. Store associates invite patrons to round up their purchases to the next whole dollar; the resulting funds support Goodwill’s mission of providing job training and career services for individuals with barriers to employment, including veterans, people with disabilities, those who have been justice-involved, older workers, and those with economic, language and/or educational challenges. 

While Goodwill self-funds the majority of its mission services, charitable donations enable the nonprofit to enhance existing programs, seed new initiatives, and expand its mission through strategic partnerships and collaboration with other nonprofits and agencies.

In 2022, Goodwill Manasota’s Change Round-Up program contributed to the funding of community programs that served 3,969 individuals in the community, supported 196 job placements, served 427 veterans, and collaborated with scores of other agencies and organizations to maximize positive impact.

“The Flanzer Trust is excited to partner with Goodwill during the holiday season,” said Eric Kaplan, co-trustee of the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust. “We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe time during the winter holidays and the New Year.”

The Flanzer Contribution Matching Program was launched in hopes of inspiring people in Sarasota and across the Suncoast area to make a difference in their communities. The goal is to assist agencies in developing new sources of fundraising so that a broader segment of the community supports activities that improve everyone’s quality of life. All donations between $5 and $500 are matched 1:1 for select nonprofit agencies in the social service, social welfare, K-12 education, and healthcare sectors. 

“Charitable funds are essential to ensure we can successfully achieve our mission of changing lives through the power of work,” said Donn Githens, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “Through our Change Round-Up program, every shopper can be a philanthropist and help us change lives with their change. We are grateful to the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust for supporting our mission and helping us to positively impact the lives of community members in a significant way.”

For more about Goodwill, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

About Goodwill Manasota

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist 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.