Area nonprofit receives $10 million gift from major national philanthropist

SARASOTA — Goodwill Manasota has received a $10 million donation as part of a nearly $4.2 billion philanthropic effort by writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. 

Included in the wave of donations was a $20 million gift to Goodwill Industries International as well as contributions to 45 other local Goodwill organizations, according to a press release.

Nearly 6,500 organizations were considered by Scott and her team to determine the 384 that were funded over the past four months. Locally, Easterseals Southwest Florida, United Way Suncoast and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee — all community partners of Goodwill Manasota — also received gifts from Scott.

The contribution will help Goodwill Manasota carry out its strategic plan and address programs it could not undertake due to a lack of resources. The funding from Scott will allow Goodwill to continue to expand its role as an essential service provider in the region, a statement says. 

Goodwill Industries International is the country’s largest nonprofit workforce development provider. As part of the Goodwill Industries International network, Goodwill Manasota focuses on closing the skills gap and eliminating associated challenges created by inequities.

“We are uniquely positioned to lead the way in ensuring that every individual — regardless of their challenges and backgrounds — has access to the skills and services they need to face today’s economic challenges,” says Goodwill Manasota President and CEO Bob Rosinsky in a statement. “We are humbled and grateful by MacKenzie Scott’s transformative contribution, which will address the growing need for skills training for job seekers, while building access to opportunity and equitable hiring as community members continue to face historic hardships during this pandemic.”

According to a press release, Goodwill Manasota is seen as a leader in the Goodwill Industries International network for its Mission Development Services program, a fee service that provides intensive education, training and mentoring services to Goodwills across the country. It also offers Goodwill U, an online curriculum available through a subscription to other Goodwills to further professional training and development.

Goodwill Manasota provides services that range from job readiness, skills training (including digital skills and various certifications and credentials) and employment placement. The nonprofit has two Job Connection offices, a Veterans Services program office and virtual services available for those living in its territory of Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties.

In 2019, Goodwill Manasota served more than 800 people in the Job Connection offices, placed 378 people in jobs, served 384 veterans and offered intensive job supports for 58 team members in the Supported Jobs Plus program, helping those with significant disabilities succeed on the job.