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Old National Bank Foundation 20 for 20 Grantee Profiles: Goodwill Indianapolis approaches 100 years of empowering Indy’s less fortunate

As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, and two decades of helping build stronger, more vibrant and prosperous communities, the Old National Bank Foundation in 2026 is donating a total of $20,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations throughout its nine-state footprint, including Goodwill Indianapolis of Indiana.

Recognizing that barriers to employment are often connected to challenges in education, health, and housing, Goodwill works to empower people to increase their independence and reach their potential through services addressing these areas.

Born in the Great Depression working out of a basement

Goodwill was founded in Indianapolis in 1930, when the city faced severe unemployment as a result of the Great Depression. Encouraged by local church leaders, the Rev. Albert Spaulding visited Boston to learn about the first-ever Goodwill Industries, established in 1902. Upon returning to Indianapolis, he established a Goodwill program in the basement of Fletcher Place Methodist Church, creating jobs for residents in the area.

Today the Goodwill Legacy Group in Indy:

  • Employs more than 6,000 people
  • Has graduated more than 11,000 students from The Excel Center, Goodwill’s high school for adults, and Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, which serves students in grades 9–12
  • Has served more than 10,000 families through Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership, helping first-time moms and their children build healthier futures
  • In 2025 alone placed more than 185 neighbors in safe, affordable housing

 

A Goodwill success story

One Goodwill Indy story that exemplifies partnering to overcome barriers is Adonis.

Facing barriers to employment, including physical disabilities, homelessness and transportation challenges, Adonis enrolled in Goodwill’s Janitorial Training Program, an initiative that gives on-the-job training to those facing employment barriers.

Shy and hesitant at first, through the program he developed confidence as both an employee and a person, leading to his placement at AbilityOne, earning multiple promotions at the federal program providing employment to those with disabilities. He also used his talents to create an educational comic, Captain Goodwill, for new janitors that is still used for trainings today.

“My job means everything to me,” Adonis said. “I wouldn’t be able to have the things I have, such as a roof over my head, clothes, shoes, and art supplies, without my AbilityOne job at Goodwill.”

Old National and Goodwill

“Old National Bank has supported Goodwill’s mission for many years,” said Allison Mitchell, Director, Community Engagement & Corporate Partnerships and Goodwill Legacy Group. “Their passion for workforce development can be found in their support of Goodwill’s Commercial Services facility, as well as their support of GoodwillNext, a career advancement initiative that provides low-income individuals with individualized career coaching, industry-recognized training, wraparound supportive services, and employment assistance. Together, Old National Bank and Goodwill are breaking barriers to employment to help individuals reach their potential.”

The partnership between the Old National Bank Foundation and Goodwill Indianapolis reflects a shared commitment to building stronger communities and expanding opportunities for individuals and families. Together, they are helping ensure that critical resources, support systems and pathways to success remain available for those who need them most.

“Our ‘20 for 20’ campaign recognizes 20 organizations that have helped strengthen communities and expand opportunity through their partnership with the Old National Bank Foundation,” said Old National Bank Foundation President Joe Kiser. “Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to serving others reflect the very best of what can happen when communities come together around a shared purpose. As we celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, these organizations represent the many communities, causes, and partnerships that have shaped the Foundation’s work over the past two decades.” 

To learn more about Goodwill Indianapolis, click here.

Each year, the Old National Bank Foundation endeavors to fund as many initiatives that meet our funding priorities as possible across our footprint. For more information on grants or the Old National Bank Foundation, click here.

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