What Goodwill Columbus does

Goodwill Columbus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1939 and headquartered at 671 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio, serving Central Ohio and Franklin County as one of the region's largest job providers. It operates a hybrid mission-driven model that funds free workforce development through a self-sustaining retail engine: 12 thrift retail stores, a by-the-pound outlet store, an e-commerce storefront on shopgoodwill.com, and 22 attended donation centers that collect gently used clothing, furniture, household items, and vehicles (resold through Copart). Donated goods inventory is effectively zero-cost, and retail margins subsidize the organization's social programs. Free job training programs — delivered across multiple training centers, the Reeb Center, the Brice Road Job Training Center, and 13 Columbus Metropolitan Library branches — award industry-recognized credentials in healthcare (CNA, Medical Billing/Coding), IT (CompTIA A+, Google IT Support, Security+), infrastructure (Class A CDL, broadband), clean energy (solar installation through the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator), and digital skills. Specialized programs include Columbus Works (career coaching and long-term support), AMP for out-of-school young adults ages 18–24, and disability services in partnership with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. A contracted custodial and unarmed security services business secures more than 6 million square feet daily across Franklin County. The organization employs over 1,000 people, of whom 23% have a documented disability, and is governed by a Board of Directors including representatives from Nationwide Mutual Funds, OhioHealth, KPMG, Grange Insurance, and Ohio State University. Goodwill Columbus is a member of Goodwill Industries International, a network of over 150 community-based organizations, holds CARF accreditation, and has earned the Candid Platinum Transparency 2026 seal. In January 2025 it acquired Columbus Works to deepen anti-poverty programming, and in 2025–2026 it added a 13,000+ sq ft Westerville retail store, a JPMorganChase $450,000 workforce investment, and a SWACO-led textile recycling pilot with Circular Thrift, Good Land, All American Movers, and Leigh Fibers.

Name

Goodwill Columbus

Legal name

Goodwill Columbus

Website

https://goodwillcolumbus.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1939

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Goodwill Columbus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1939 that funds free workforce training in Central Ohio through a network of 12 thrift stores, an outlet, an e-commerce site, 22 donation centers, and contracted custodial and security services, serving job seekers, individuals with disabilities, and employer partners across Franklin County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development and Thrift Retail Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600)

akta.pro primary industry

Rare Disease & Special Needs Support Organizations (BPAGACAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL), Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM)

Keywords

• Thrift retail stores
• Workforce development services
• Job training certification
• Donation pickup services
• Disability employment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic Grants and Workforce Investment: Funding from philanthropic organizations such as JPMorganChase ($450,000 workforce investment grant in 2026) and other partners to expand job training and paid work-based learning programs.
2. Business Services Contracts: Contracted custodial (janitorial) and unarmed security services provided to businesses and organizations across Franklin County. Officers secure more than 6 million square feet each day.
3. Vehicle Donation and Auto Auction: Donated vehicles (cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles) are resold through an auto auction, with 100% of proceeds supporting the mission of job training and employment services.
4. Individual Monetary Donations: One-time or recurring cash gifts from individuals to support the mission of building lives of possibility and purpose in Central Ohio.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Goodwill Columbus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates a thrift retail network (12 stores plus an outlet and e-commerce site) and 22 donation centers, using the proceeds to fund free job training and certification programs, disability employment services, youth workforce programs, and contracted custodial and unarmed security services for businesses across Central Ohio.

Product overview

Goodwill Columbus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Central Ohio since 1939. The organization operates a multi-faceted portfolio consisting of: 12 retail thrift stores and an outlet store selling donated goods; 22 donation centers accepting clothing, furniture, and household items; workforce development programs including free job training certifications (Healthcare, IT, Infrastructure, Clean Tech/Solar); specialized services for individuals with disabilities; business services (custodial and security) for commercial clients; and community programs such as Columbus Works, AMP youth program, Art Studio & Gallery, and the Do Good rewards program. The organization employs over 1,000 people and is one of the region's largest job providers. Revenue from retail operations funds the mission of providing jobs and services that empower individuals to reach their full potential.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Do Good: A rewards program from Goodwill Columbus that allows members to unlock exclusive savings, unique giveaways, and one-of-a-kind member experiences with their donations.
• AMP (Achieve More & Prosper)
• Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator (GCTA)
• Columbus Works
• Goodwill Art Studio & Gallery
• Goodwill Columbus Outlet Store

Products and services

• Goodwill Columbus Retail Stores Thrift retail stores selling donated clothing, household items, and goods at affordable prices across 12 Central Ohio locations including Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, Gahanna, Grove City, Westerville, Canal Winchester, Whitehall, and Reynoldsburg. Designed for budget-conscious and sustainability-minded consumers.
• Donation Centers 22 attended donation centers and retail stores across Franklin County accepting gently-used clothing, furniture, household items, and electronics for resale, with proceeds supporting Goodwill Columbus's mission. Designed for Central Ohio residents donating used goods.
• Job Training Services Free job training programs providing industry-recognized credentials in healthcare (CNA, Medical Billing/Coding), technology (CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Google IT Support, Certified Ethical Hacker), infrastructure (Class A CDL, fiber optic installation), and clean energy (solar installation). Designed for Central Ohio job seekers needing no-cost pathways to certifications and employment.
• Outlet Store Last-chance outlet store at 2675 Brice Road, Columbus, selling donated clothing, shoes, housewares, toys, books, DVDs, and CDs by the pound at heavily discounted rates. Pricing: Books $0.59/lb; Clothing & Shoes $2.29/lb; Everything Else $1.99/lb. Designed for budget shoppers and resellers.
• Do Good Rewards Program A rewards program allowing members to earn points for donations at participating Goodwill Columbus locations, redeemable for exclusive savings, giveaways, and one-of-a-kind member experiences. Designed for repeat donors and engaged community supporters.
• Goodwill Business Services (Custodial and Security) Commercial custodial (janitorial) and unarmed security services provided to businesses and organizations across Franklin County. Includes specialized floor care, green chemicals training, and licensed security officers certified in CPR and AED. Officers secure more than 6 million square feet each day. Designed for commercial clients needing facility services.
• Columbus Works Free four-day job readiness program offering job training, personal career coaching, and long-term support services to help individuals break the cycle of generational poverty in Central Ohio.
• AMP (Achieve More & Prosper) Free specialized coaching and assistance program for young adults ages 18-24 in Franklin County who are not currently enrolled in school, providing career pathway planning, life skills training, and work experience opportunities through internships and job shadowing.
• Disability Services Workforce development services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including career exploration, vocational evaluation, job coaching, and community work experience internships, delivered in collaboration with OOD and DODD.
• Goodwill At Your Door Free pickup service for large furniture donations from Franklin County homes and businesses, with curbside placement required. Designed for donors needing convenient pickup of bulky items.
• Goodwill On Wheels Self-service donation trailer booking service for donation drives, events, and moves. Trailers can be booked for 5-day periods and delivered within Franklin County. Designed for organizations and individuals hosting donation drives or moves.
• Art Studio & Gallery Fine arts program for artists with developmental disabilities and other barriers at 50 Robinwood Avenue, Whitehall, providing self-expression through drawing, painting, mixed media, fibers, sculpture, and digital arts.
• Auto Auction Vehicle donation and resale program for cars, trucks, boats, RVs, and motorcycles. Donated vehicles are resold through the Copart online auction with proceeds supporting Goodwill Columbus's mission. Donors receive a tax deduction.
• Digital Skills Program (Digital Skills Hub) Free digital skills workshops delivered at 13 Columbus Metropolitan Library branches, covering basic computer skills, Google apps, telehealth, and accessing community resources. May include no-cost device distribution upon completion. Designed for Central Ohio adults needing digital literacy skills.
• Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator (GCTA) Four-week intensive solar installer certification program providing hands-on experience and credentials (OSHA-10, CPR, First Aid, AED, IronRidge Installer, IREC) with job placement assistance. Graduates average $20/hour or more. Designed for adults pursuing clean-energy careers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100,000+ people equipped since 2020
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• SWACOcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2025SWACO (Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio) partnered with Goodwill Columbus on a textile recycling pilot program to collect, sort, bale, and recycle clothing that cannot be resold or reused (end-of-life textiles). The program runs June through August 2025 at multiple drop-off sites including Goodwill Columbus locations, with materials recycled into products such as acoustic insulation, furniture filling, packaging, and construction materials.
• Circular ThriftcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2025Circular Thrift designed and helped implement the textile collection pilot program in Columbus in partnership with SWACO and Goodwill Columbus. Circular Thrift focuses on local action as the foundation of a circular economy, connecting community values with practical, scalable waste solutions.
• Leigh FiberssupportingOthers · 12 June 2025Leigh Fibers, based in South Carolina, is the largest textile recycling company in the U.S. They receive baled end-of-life textiles from the Columbus pilot and recycle them into products including acoustic insulation for automobiles, furniture filling, packaging, sports equipment, and thermal insulation for construction materials. Leigh Fibers has been in the recycling space for 100 years.
• Good LandsupportingOthers · 12 June 2025Good Land sorts and bales end-of-life textiles collected at the Columbus pilot drop-off sites before transportation to Leigh Fibers for recycling. Located at All American Movers facility.
• All American MoverssupportingOthers · 12 June 2025All American Movers serves as the facility location for Good Land's textile sorting and baling operations as part of the SWACO textile recycling pilot, and handles transportation of baled materials to Leigh Fibers.
• ConnectUs CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Goodwill Columbus is a committed partner in the ConnectUs Coalition, working together to ensure every Ohioan has the skills and resources needed to participate fully in the digital world. This statewide collaboration improves digital equity and access, helping Goodwill empower individuals with essential technology training through the Digital Skills Hub program.
• Columbus Metropolitan LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoodwill Columbus delivers digital skills workshops at 13 Columbus Metropolitan Library branches, providing in-person, free classes covering basic computer skills, Google apps, telehealth, and accessing community resources. The partnership enables accessible, community-based training locations throughout central Ohio.
• Capital Transportation AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoodwill Columbus partners with Capital Transportation Academy on the Roads2Work program — a Franklin County initiative to help anyone with the desire and commitment to become a commercial driver access the training and resources needed to achieve their goals. The program can be completed in as little as five weeks with job placement upon graduation.
• Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFranklin County JFS partners with Goodwill Columbus on the AMP (Achieve More & Prosper) program for young adults ages 18-24 who are out of school. JFS provides referrals and program support for participants seeking career pathways and long-term self-sufficiency.
• AspyrcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAspyr partners with Goodwill Columbus on the AMP program for young adults ages 18-24, providing specialized assistance and coaching to Central Ohioans looking to make a positive change in their lives through career pathways.
• OhioMeansJobssupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOhioMeansJobs serves as the state's job posting platform with over 134,000 jobs posted, and is a key partner in Ohio's In-Demand Jobs Week. Goodwill Columbus serves as a bridge connecting job seekers to OhioMeansJobs opportunities.
• Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOOD is a key government partner providing vocational services for individuals with disabilities. Goodwill Columbus is a provider collaborating with OOD, and job seekers must be connected to OOD and select Goodwill Columbus as their provider to access disability services.
• Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDODD collaborates with Goodwill Columbus on vocational services for individuals with developmental disabilities, providing oversight and funding for programs supporting community-integrated employment.
• Human Service Chamber of Franklin CountysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHuman Service Chamber of Franklin County partnered with Goodwill Columbus for the 2026 Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade, marching together to celebrate love, inclusion, and community.
• Other JPMorganChase Ohio Grantees (Team NEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership, etc.)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoodwill Columbus is part of JPMorganChase's broader $4+ million Ohio workforce investment that includes 12 organizations across Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati working to advance career pathways, strengthen regional workforce pipelines, and support economic mobility.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Savers / Value Village: For-profit thrift retailer operating globally with a similar donated-goods retail model. Comparable as a large-scale thrift competitor in the secondhand goods market, though operating on a for-profit basis.
• Goodwill Industries International: Parent network of 150+ community-based Goodwill organizations across the U.S. and Canada. Directly comparable as the umbrella body coordinating Goodwill Columbus' mission, brand, and operational standards.

Direct peers

• Easterseals Central & Southeast Ohio: Provides disability employment, job training, and vocational rehabilitation services in Central Ohio. Directly comparable mission focus on individuals with disabilities and workforce development in the same geography.
• St. Vincent de Paul Society (Columbus): Operates thrift stores and social services in Central Ohio with similar donation-based retail and social mission model. Directly comparable nonprofit thrift and social services operator in the same geography.
• Goodwill of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio: Another Goodwill Industries chapter operating thrift retail, job training, and disability services in Ohio. Directly comparable business model, services, and mission focus within the same state.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Columbus): Operates donated-goods retail stores funding housing programs. Comparable mission-driven nonprofit thrift model with proceeds supporting community services, though focused on furniture and home goods rather than apparel.
• Salvation Army Central Ohio: Operates thrift retail stores and social services in the same Columbus market. Directly comparable as a faith-based nonprofit combining donated goods retail with workforce and community support programs.

Emerging players

• Columbus State Community College Workforce Development: Local community college workforce training provider. Comparable as a regional provider of free/low-cost job training and certifications, with overlapping employer partnerships in Central Ohio.

Others

• United Way of Central Ohio: Major Central Ohio social services funder and convener. Comparable as a regional nonprofit ecosystem player that funds and coordinates many of the same workforce and community programs Goodwill Columbus participates in.

Regional players

• IMPACT Community Action Agency (Columbus): Columbus-based community action agency providing workforce development, job training, and anti-poverty services. Comparable as a regional nonprofit addressing similar employment barriers and serving similar populations in Central Ohio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GoodwillCols
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/GoodwillColumbus1
• Facebookfacebook.com/GoodwillColumbus
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/goodwill-columbus
• Instagraminstagram.com/goodwillcolumbus

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Goodwill Columbus