That car has been in the garage for a year. Chances are you won’t be taking it out anytime soon either. You may not realize it can benefit those in need. Your car donation to a charity not only frees up space for you. It also provides funds to feed the hungry, help low-income families pay utility bills, or buy books for your local library.
Now that you know the car can do other things than drip grease on the garage floor, you want to know if it’s in good enough condition to donate. No one has taken the time to change the oil or wash it off later. What kind of cars do charities drive?
Does it have to Run?
The ideal donation is a moving vehicle. However, organizations that manage car donation for charities will accept it, whether it runs or not. There’s still value in a car that doesn’t drive — at best, though, a car that starts. It doesn’t need to be cleaned recently – no detail or anything like that. If it has minor mechanical issues, that’s fine too. What matters is that you are willing to give. That’s the starting point. From there, the details get less complicated.
The only requirement is that you own the car outright, with no lien holders. Collection companies sell cars or used parts. To do this, they must have titles. If you don’t have a copy of the document, they can help you get it.
Does it have to be a Sedan?
Definitely not – the charity is not looking for family cars. They use funds, not vehicles. Once you donate a car to charity, an auto expert will take the car and sell it or salvage it. This means that any type of shipping can meet their needs. They take:
- Car
- Vans
- Truck
- RV
They can even use a motorcycle or boat with a trailer.
What Charity gets the Money?
That’s up to you. When you decide to donate, you can visit the website ZamZam Foundation and choose the charity of your choice. For example, you can donate to the Breast Cancer Foundation or Charity Animal Foundation. Take the time to choose a charity that means something to you.
How to Donate?
You have two options: donate through the website form or call to speak with a natural person. Gather some information together when you’re ready. You need to:
- The make and model of the car
- Years
- Mileage – guess if you’re not sure
- Vehicle Identification Number
The Vehicle Identification Number or VIN is located on the title, registration, or insurance card. You can also place it at the bottom of the driver’s side windshield. The management agency will arrange a convenient pick-up time with you. You must provide a signed title before they can pick up the car.
Is this a Tax Deductible?
That’s the beauty of car donation. In most cases, once the car is sold, you’ll get a charity receipt that your tax professional can use to get your tax refund. It’s a win-win situation. You donate to a worthy nonprofit while benefiting from your generosity.
Top 10 List of Cars Donated to Charity
- Buick Regal
- Chrysler Town & Country
- Honda Accord
- Nissan Maxima
- Ford F150
- Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Volkswagen Passat
- Dodge Caravan
- BMW 3 series
