Car Donation for Charities: How to & Where

Car donation for charities is a simple way to support nonprofit organizations while getting rid of an unwanted vehicle. Many charities accept vehicle donations, either directly or through a third-party organization, and the proceeds from the sale of the vehicle go toward funding their programs. Donating a car can be tax-deductible, and it often provides charities with a significant source of income. Below is an overview of how car donations work, the benefits, and some of the best charities that accept vehicle donations.


How Car Donation Works

  1. Choose a Charity: Select a reputable charity that accepts car donations, either directly or through a donation partner. Many charities have partnered with car donation programs to make the process easier.
  2. Submit Your Donation: You can typically donate a car online or by phone. The charity will require some basic information about the vehicle, including the make, model, year, and condition.
  3. Schedule a Pickup: Most car donation programs offer free towing services, so you don’t need to worry about delivering the vehicle yourself. They will arrange for the car to be picked up at your convenience.
  4. Receive a Tax Deduction: After the vehicle is sold, the charity will provide you with a receipt. If the car is sold for more than $500, you can deduct the actual sale price from your taxes. If the car sells for less than $500, you can claim up to $500, or the fair market value of the vehicle.
  5. The Charity Receives the Proceeds: The proceeds from the sale of the car go to the charity, helping to support its programs and services.

Benefits of Donating a Car

  1. Tax Deduction: Donating your car to a qualified charity allows you to claim a tax deduction, which can reduce your taxable income. The amount of the deduction depends on the sale price of the car.
  2. Easy Disposal: Donating a car is often simpler than selling or trading it. Charities usually take care of towing, paperwork, and transfer of ownership.
  3. Support a Cause: Your car donation helps charities raise funds to support their missions, whether it’s helping veterans, providing food for the homeless, or supporting medical research.
  4. Eco-Friendly: Donating your car can help reduce waste, especially if the charity recycles the vehicle or parts, helping to protect the environment.

Top Charities That Accept Car Donations

Here are some of the best and most reputable charities that accept vehicle donations:

1. Habitat for Humanity

  • Mission: Habitat for Humanity helps build affordable housing for low-income families.
  • Car Donation Program: Cars for Homes is Habitat’s vehicle donation program. Donated cars are sold, and the proceeds help build homes for families in need.
  • Website: Cars for Homes – Habitat for Humanity

2. American Cancer Society

  • Mission: The American Cancer Society funds cancer research, provides support for cancer patients, and advocates for cancer prevention.
  • Car Donation Program: Cars for a Cure accepts vehicles, with proceeds going toward cancer research and support services.
  • Website: Cars for a Cure – American Cancer Society

3. Make-A-Wish Foundation

  • Mission: Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children with critical illnesses, bringing hope and joy to their lives.
  • Car Donation Program: Donated vehicles are sold, and the proceeds help fulfill the wishes of children facing life-threatening conditions.
  • Website: Wheels for Wishes – Make-A-Wish

4. Goodwill

  • Mission: Goodwill helps people with disabilities or disadvantages by providing job training, education, and employment opportunities.
  • Car Donation Program: Goodwill accepts cars, trucks, boats, and RVs. Proceeds from the sale of vehicles go toward funding job training programs.
  • Website: Goodwill Car Donations

5. The Salvation Army

  • Mission: The Salvation Army provides a variety of social services, including disaster relief, homeless shelters, and rehabilitation programs.
  • Car Donation Program: Donated vehicles are sold, and the proceeds go toward funding various social service programs.
  • Website: The Salvation Army Vehicle Donation Program

6. Kars4Kids

  • Mission: Kars4Kids funds educational programs, mentoring, and camps for children in need.
  • Car Donation Program: Kars4Kids is one of the most well-known car donation programs, offering free towing and a vacation voucher as a thank-you gift.
  • Website: Kars4Kids

7. National Kidney Foundation

  • Mission: The National Kidney Foundation provides education, research, and support services for people with kidney disease.
  • Car Donation Program: Kidney Cars is the National Kidney Foundation’s car donation program. Proceeds help fund kidney research and patient services.
  • Website: Kidney Cars – National Kidney Foundation

8. Vehicles for Veterans

  • Mission: Vehicles for Veterans helps support disabled and injured veterans by donating proceeds from car sales to veterans’ programs.
  • Car Donation Program: Donated cars, trucks, and boats are accepted, and the proceeds support veterans’ organizations across the U.S.
  • Website: Vehicles for Veterans

Things to Consider Before Donating Your Car

  1. Check the Charity’s Status: Make sure the charity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so that your donation is tax-deductible.
  2. Understand the Tax Deduction: If the car sells for more than $500, you will be able to deduct the sale price from your taxes. If it sells for less than $500, you can deduct up to $500 or the fair market value, whichever is less.
  3. Research the Charity’s Reputation: Use charity rating services like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to ensure the charity uses donations responsibly.
  4. Confirm Free Towing: Most reputable car donation programs offer free towing services, so make sure this is included before you donate.
  5. Paperwork and Title Transfer: Be sure to complete all necessary paperwork and transfer the title properly to avoid any liability after the donation.

Conclusion: A Win-Win Opportunity

Donating a car to charity is a great way to support a cause you care about, while also benefiting from a tax deduction and the convenience of free towing. By choosing a reputable charity, you can ensure that your donation will make a meaningful impact, helping those in need while making the process hassle-free for you.

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