Good Things to Know About Goodwill

At Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, we are thankful for your support of our mission and its impact on the community. Thanks to your goodwill, we are continually moving one step closer toward achieving our vision of ending poverty through the power of work. It is our goal to maintain transparency and inform shoppers, donors, and the community about our impact as a non-profit organization.

It is important to understand that Goodwill consists of a large network of member organizations throughout the country. As independent social enterprises, each Goodwill runs its regional retail stores and mission programs independently from other Goodwill organizations. This means that, for example, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona does not operate Goodwill locations in southern Arizona or another state like Minnesota. Goodwill organizations operate locally within defined regions and have their own board of directors and leadership team.

What We Do at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that takes a holistic approach to employment by providing job seekers the tools to feel confident, purpose-driven, and successful. Our mission is to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build stronger communities.

Goodwill is more than a store – it is a place where you can say and believe, “It feels good to do good.” Purchases and donations at Goodwill allow us to help individuals in the local community access career and job search services at no cost. Our no-cost career services – available online at MyCareerAdvisor.com or in-person at the Veteran Career Center – include resume review, interview skills development, computer skills training, and much more.

Addressing False Claims or Misconceptions About Goodwill

Many individuals we serve appreciate the positive impact we create for themselves, their families, and their community. Some have questions about what we do and how we do it. Others may have heard rumors about Goodwill’s operations or practices. Whatever the case, we want you to know the truth of the great work we are doing here in central and northern Arizona. As such, we identified a list of false claims or misconceptions that do not accurately represent Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona. Please read our responses below and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

“Goodwill Does Not Recycle and Stuff Goes to Landfills”

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona has been driving sustainability in Arizona since 1947, and donations are the lifeline of our organization. The last place we want your donations to go is the landfill.

Reuse and recycling play an essential role in everything we do. We follow a collect, sell, and salvage model. We are working to identify what else we can do with donated goods between “sell” and “salvage,” which is why we are dedicated to identifying responsible end markets for every item donated in an effort to divert materials from landfills. Every year, we divert millions of pounds of materials from going directly into Arizona landfills.

By partnering with local organizations and the city, we can create a positive, lasting, and widespread effect on the environment through waste reduction. We are also proud to say that the impact of your donations stays local, supporting job seekers and their families.

“Goodwill Does Not Pay Minimum Wage”

At Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, we pay employees Arizona’s minimum wage or above. There is no exception. We do not utilize the 14c Special Minimum Wage Certificate that enables organizations to pay employees less than Arizona’s minimum wage.

We value every team member at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona. We offer career pathing and development programs for team members looking to grow professionally, at Goodwill or beyond.

“Employees at Goodwill Get All the Good Stuff”

We maintain an “It’s Only Fair” policy at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona. Since our goods come from public donations, it is only fair that every customer has an equal opportunity to purchase any item for sale in our stores. That is why anyone who works or volunteers in any Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona store is not permitted to shop in the store for themselves or others. Employees are not allowed to reserve or set aside merchandise for anyone. If you think we are not acting fairly and in accordance with this policy, please call us at 1-855-284-6741.

“The Goodwill CEO’s Salary Is in the Millions”

The most common misconception is that the Goodwill CEO gets paid millions. Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona’s CEO gets paid commensurate with other Arizona nonprofit organizations comparable in size to Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona.

All of our records are available to the public, and we encourage you to view our audited financial information and IRS 990 form online at guidestar.org.

Have Questions? Please Reach Out

Did we miss something? We want you to talk with us. Feel free to contact us and ask about our mission, career services, or financial information.