Frequently Asked Questions

About Goodwill.

Information about Goodwill and our programs.

Are your programs accredited?
Select Goodwill programs have been CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited since 1972.
How many people do you serve in a year?
Last year we served 5,067 people through our human services and Good Neighbor programs. One of Goodwill's strategic objectives is to double this number to 8,000 by 2013.
How many of the people you serve live at or below the poverty level?
More than 80% of the people we serve live at or below the poverty level.
What kind of success does Goodwill have?
The success of our human services programs is measured annually for clinical outcomes. To measure the outcomes of other departments and programs, such as administrative and retail operations, Goodwill's Strategic Plan for 2008-2013 implements Balance Scorecard, a management approach that utilizes measurement-based tools. These tools help measure our success from four perspectives: financial, internal business procedures, learning and growth, and customer.
Who makes up the populations you serve?
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England has a 75-year history of providing innovative services that help individuals with disabilities or other barriers achieve social and economic independence.
Are you a 501(c)3 charity?
Yes
Are you autonomous?
Yes. Goodwill Industries of Northern New England is an autonomous organization with a local volunteer board of directors. We are a member of Goodwill Industries International.
How does Goodwill fulfill its mission?
We fulfill our mission by providing Workforce Development Services, NeuroRehabilitation Services, Deaf Services, Developmental Disability Day and Residential Services, as well as our Good Neighbor program.
How is Goodwill funded?
Revenue generated through our network of non-profit businesses, including 25 retail stores, post-retail sales, and contracted work such as landscaping and building maintenance, directly benefits our human services programs. We owe our success to the loyalty of our Goodwill shoppers! We also receive funding from state government, insurance companies, grants, and corporate and individual donors.
How many people does Goodwill employ?
Goodwill employs about 1200 people in northern New England.
Is Goodwill a religious organization?
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England is non-sectarian.
What are your geographic locations?
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England is located in three states, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
What percentage of Goodwill's annual budget goes toward administrative costs?
7.7% of our budget is used for administrative costs
Who founded Goodwill?
Goodwill was founded by Edgar J. Helms in Boston in 1903. Goodwill Industries of Northern New England began operations in 1933. 2008 marks our 75th anniversary of assisting people with disabilities and other barriers achieve independence!
Who is in charge of Goodwill?
Goodwill's Executive Director is Michael Coughlin. Goodwill has a volunteer Board of Directors. The President of the Board is Judith Stone.

Retail Services

Information about our stores and donations.

Are my donations to Goodwill tax deductible?
Yes, all your donations are tax deductible. In accordance with IRS regulations, Goodwill does not assign value to your donation. Receipts for donations are available at all Goodwill stores and attended donation centers.
Can I drop off items at the stores?
Yes, any of our 25 retail store locations will gladly accept your donation.
Do Goodwill stores offer any discounts?
Yes, Goodwill offers a shopper loyalty program, Club Goodwill. For $10 a year, you receive 10% off every purchase, 25% your entire purchase on your birthday, invitations to events, and an online newsletter.
How many donations do you receive each year?
In 2007, Goodwill received approximately 28,231,000 pounds of donations!
How many people donate to Goodwill each year?
We estimate that 639,000 people made donations to Goodwill in 2007.
If the items in your stores are donated why don't you charge less for them?
As with every business, there are built-in costs that are necessary to our operation. We pay the salaries, benefits, education, and training costs of our employees who pick-up, process, distribute, and sell our goods. Our costs also include transportation, fuel, vehicle maintenance and utilities such as electricity, heat, water, and sewer. Goodwill prices items to maximize their value and uses the capital to benefit our human services programs. Through your donations, Goodwill strives to be a self-sufficient non-profit organization.
Will Goodwill pick up my donations?
Goodwill is not able to offer home pick-up service.

Jobs and Volunteering

Questions pertaining to employment and volunteering.

Can I volunteer at Goodwill?
Yes! Goodwill is always looking for volunteers to assist in all areas of the organization. To learn more about opportunities, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.
What types of jobs are available at Goodwill?
Goodwill offers employment in the area of retail services, human services, administration and operations. To see what jobs are available, please visit our Jobs page.
When submitting an online application I received error: "ADODB.Parameter error '800a0d5d'" Did Goodwill receive my application?
If at anytime you receive an error using our online application, please start over from the first page. Try avoiding using special characters or html. If you still receive the same error please download our pdf application or visit a local retail store to apply.

Downloads

Jobs

Contact

Goodwill Industries
of Northern New England
353 Cumberland Avenue
Portland, ME 04101

Tel: 207-774-6323
TTY: 207-774-6323
Fax: 207-761-8460

Contact Goodwill