Goodwill of Central Illinois Receives Transformational Gift

Goodwill of Central Illinois has received a transformational gift from MacKenzie Scott. Scott, the former wife of Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, has gifted $4,158,500,000 in the last four months to 384 organizations across the United States. Goodwill of Central Illinois has been gifted $5,000,000.

This initiative is Scott’s response to a pandemic that “has been a wrecking ball in lives of Americans already struggling.” The philanthropist’s team vetted 6,490 organizations narrowing the recipients down to 384, based on high potential for impact in their community.

“To say we are honored by this significant gift is an understatement,” said Goodwill of Central Illinois President and CEO, Don Johnson. “It means so much to be selected for who we are and how we serve the community. The results of the meticulous vetting process of our organization, including management, employees and our board of directors is what really makes us proud. To be chosen out of so many is truly humbling.”

Goodwill’s mission is to support individuals and families who are working to better their lives. Johnson added, “The expenditure of this gift will be carefully considered with the focus always being the benefit to the community and those we serve. Utilizing our strategic plan, along with the guidance of our board of directors, we will determine the best investment of this generous gift, while keeping our decisions transparent.”