Savannah, Ga – Michael J. Winckler, President and CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia, confirmed that Goodwill SEGA received an unsolicited $5 million gift from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott.
Scott is the ex-wife of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
“We are humbled by this incredibly generous donation,” said Michael Winckler, President and CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia.
Goodwill SEGA is one of almost 400 organizations selected to benefit from a portion of $4 billion in funding donated to organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. Scott announced the recipients that were selected based on data indicating strong leadership teams and results in the areas of fulfilling basic needs and addressing long-term systemic inequities that have been deepened by the COVID-19 crisis.
“This gift comes at a period of unprecedented community need,” Winckler said. “We are grateful that MacKenzie Scott is affirming and supporting our work. This generous gift recognizes our commitment to helping individuals achieve a living-wage in high-demand careers.”
“This is the single largest donation that Goodwill Southeast Georgia has ever received, and it was unsolicited and unexpected so we are working through details with our Board of Directors on how to best use these funds to fulfill our mission and strategic plan. We are committed to deploying this gift in ways that create the greatest impact in our region,” Winckler said. “We will share more information as our program plans are finalized.”
ABOUT GOODWILL SOUTHEAST GEORGIA
Goodwill of the Coastal Empire Inc., DBA Goodwill Southeast Georgia, is a highly diversified 501© (3) social enterprise committed to helping individuals achieve their employment goals -- whatever and wherever that may be.
Its Opportunity Centers provide individual support, meaningful training, employment services and other community-based programs. In 2019 the organization provided services to more than 6,600 individuals and placed 1,300 into sustainable employment.
Goodwill of the Coastal Empire, Inc. is an autonomous affiliate of Goodwill Industries International governed by a local, volunteer board of directors. It serves 33 counties in Georgia and South Carolina.
Goodwill Southeast Georgia operates 17 retail stores selling donated clothing and household items, an advanced manufacturing facility, staffing agency and contract services business. The income from these enterprises fund the services that drive our Mission.
For more information, visit www.goodwillsega.org.