Software Donations Will Increase Job Placement Functions
at 27 Goodwill Agencies
ROCKVILLE, MD — Microsoft has awarded Goodwill Industries International a $5.5 million grant, which will result in 27 Goodwill agencies in 20 states and provinces receiving new software to help staff members and program participants build the computer skills they need to find jobs and advance in their careers.
The grant is part of Microsoft’s longstanding commitment to help nonprofit organizations and the people they serve realize benefits from technology including improved social and economic opportunities for individuals through community technology training centers and Microsoft telecenters. The donated software includes Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office products and internal office systems, according to the individual needs of each Goodwill agency. The grant will be divided between Goodwill Industries International and each of the 27 Goodwill agencies throughout the United States and Canada.
“By offering grants of cash and software, Microsoft partners with agencies like Goodwill to create social and economic opportunities that can change peoples’ lives and transform communities,”
said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Given the current economic situation, Microsoft’s continued support could not come at a better time, as this software will help Goodwill provide additional job training and serve more people.”
The award is the second major software donation grant Goodwill has received from Microsoft. In December 2009, 20 agencies were selected to receive approximately $5 million in software donations. Goodwill Industries International collected data and success stories from each of these agencies to demonstrate how the software was making a difference in the lives of staff and recipients who used it. The proven impact of the first round of funding led Microsoft to issue a second round of software donations to additional Goodwill agencies.
Goodwill agencies were chosen to receive the grant based on their ability to expand services to help people with challenges to finding employment, including people with disabilities and those who lack education or job experience. The agencies receiving funding will deploy Microsoft software to further their employment placement services and other community-based programs.
“We are pleased to offer this software to help Goodwill agencies accomplish the essential work they undertake in communities across North America helping people get the skills and resources they need to find employment,” said Akhtar Badshah, senior director of Microsoft Community Affairs.
“Goodwill is grateful that Microsoft has invested in its mission,” said Gibbons. “This donation will directly impact Goodwill’s ability to increase technology offerings in local communities so that people can learn new skills, earn good jobs and gain an increased quality of life.”
To find your local Goodwill, visit https://www.goodwill.org or call (800) GOODWILL.
To learn more about Microsoft and its investments in communities around the world, visit www.microsoft.com/citizenship
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with 14 affiliates in 13 other countries. Goodwill is one of North America’s top five most valuable and recognized nonprofit brands as well as a leading social services enterprise (Source: Cone Nonprofit Power Brand 100, 2009). Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 2,600 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2010, 2.4 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill’s career services. Goodwill channels 84 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at goodwill.org, or call (800) GOODWILL. Twitter: @GoodwillIntl. Facebook: GoodwillIntl.
ABOUT MICROSOFT
Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com/citizenship) believes that technology can accelerate change to help solve some of society’s most pressing issues. Microsoft supports programs and organizations that address the needs of communities worldwide through monetary grants, software and curriculum donations, technology solutions, and employee volunteer hours. Since 1983, Microsoft and our employees have provided more than $5.55 billion in cash, services and software to nonprofits around the world through localized, company-sponsored giving and volunteer campaigns.
