FAQs
Is Goodwill a non-profit?
Yes. True North Goodwill is recognized as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Tax ID: 41-0919602
Goodwill is a not-for-profit organization committed to providing jobs and training for people to gain skills and achieve independence. Sometimes these are individuals who face specific barriers to employment such as physical or cognitive disabilities, alcohol or chemical dependency, lack of housing or childcare, and justice involvement. To learn more about our programs. click the link below.
As a non-profit organization, your donations are tax-deductible.
Governing documents and annual reports are available upon request. Please call 218-722-6351 for information.
Who started Goodwill?
Goodwill Industries was founded by Dr. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister and early social innovator from Boston. Helms collected used household goods and clothing, then hired and trained people to repair the items. The goods were resold, and employee wages were paid from the revenues generated.
Who started True North Goodwill?
There are 155 independently-run Goodwill regional territories across North America and Canada. True North Goodwill was founded by Dr. Edgar J. Helms in 1919. Helms was a strong advocate of the Duluth, MN community and its nonprofit organizations. To learn more about our unique history, click below.
How does Goodwill work?
You donate your gently used household goods to us, we sell them in our thrift stores and other retail operations, and we use our retail revenue as well as other income sources to open doorways for community members who need employment. Through our programs and services, we with individuals to gain the skills to find and keep employment and to realize the potential for each person to meet their career and educational goals.
Where is True North Goodwill’s headquarters located?
Our regional territory headquarters is located at:
Are all Goodwills the same?
No. Each Goodwill region has its own local, volunteer Board of Directors and its own Management team and President & CEO. Although all are committed to the power of work, each serves local needs by developing programs and services specific to their communities.
Every Goodwill region runs its thrift operations differently as well. True North Goodwill schedules its own hours, sales and discounts separately from all other Goodwill regions. Find a list of True North Goodwill’s store locations at the link below.
Goodwill Industries International provides Goodwill regions consultation and support but they do not have a hand in the day-to-day operations.
I am a member of an organization looking for donations. Who do I contact?
Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Requests should be made by an officer of your organization and on letterhead. Please send your request to lgatlin@truenorthgoodwill.org or by mail, Attn: Executive Assistant.
