Getting a new car seems to be an increasingly distant dream. However, getting used vehicles at lower prices is possible, even donated cars from dealerships, non-profit organizations, and other places where you can acquire these belongings.
While it is not an easy process, it is a matter of searching until you find the right place to find the car you are looking for. A car is not an item that is usually given to charity every day, but luck can work in your favor, as many organizations receive cars to donate to those who need them most.
What is a donated car?
Donated vehicles are those whose owners have decided not to have anymore, either because of disuse, age, or simply because they will buy a new one and have nowhere to leave the old one. In fact, by donating a car, the initial owners could avoid paying a large amount of money for taxes.
Many people see this as a way to avoid these taxes. That is because of the tax shelter, but this is not the case. The organizations that receive these vehicles derive their most significant revenue from these used cars.
Does the government provide a car donation program?
No. The U.S. government does not offer a car donation program for needy people. However, they do provide multi-installment car loans through assistance programs.
These programs do not allow you to get a donated car, but as cash assistance, they can help you buy a new or used vehicle, depending on your budget.
How to get a donated car?
There are other solutions to get a donated car without paying large amounts. Charities aim to give money to those who meet specific requirements without asking for anything in return.
It is just a matter of determining the best option to acquire the vehicle. Here are a couple of places you can contact to see if they can donate a car.
Dealers and Dealerships
You can take note of the different charity car dealerships near your home. While there are few, you are sure to find one that you can contact and inquire about donating vehicles. Generally, these dealers get non-profit organizations to donate the car, but others donate them on behalf of private institutions.
On the other hand, many people, such as company employees, come to dealerships to donate their vehicles. There are times when dealerships present the car in the form of money, so you can acquire this money to buy a car from that company, from where they will be happy to give you advice when purchasing your vehicle with the donated money. In fact, and if you are lucky, you can even get a discount on the price of the car).
Car Factories
Several car manufacturers have non-profit organizations, and they are the most popular when it comes to financing your car. For example, General Motors has a program that allows you to win a donated vehicle. However, with branches worldwide, there is much competition and a long waiting list.
Another well-known brand is Toyota, which has its Toyota4Good Foundation. This charity keeps donated vehicles for older members. If you are a member of this organization, you could contact them to find out if they can donate a car to you.
Car Rental Companies
Some agencies dedicated to renting cars have several programs for non-profit donations. This charity is received in the form of money, and although they do not give away cars, they offer to rent their vehicles to those who need them most for free and for a certain number of days.
Charities and churches
Charitable organizations receive donations of vehicles in poor condition. These cars can be sold for scrap or parts and, with that money, help people to buy a car.
Ask a Board of Directors of your company
If you work for a company, you can politely ask their board of directors if they have a contact list of people or car dealers who offer these donations. Board members will not only help you get a car for your well-being but also because, in this way, they give an excellent image to society and maintain (or improve) their reputation.
By having contacts and communication with people you trust on the board, dealers will more likely be able to donate a car or, failing that, cash with which to purchase a vehicle from their branch.
Look for a job that will give you a car
Many jobs require a driver’s license and mobility. On the other hand, some companies provide mobility to their employees to perform their jobs properly, especially transportation companies. These companies can dispose of used vehicles to donate to their employees so that they can achieve their work correctly.
If you are in a job search and want to buy your car, but you do not have the means to do so, an excellent option is to send your resume to companies where you can have a vehicle donated by that company. The purpose of this benefit is that the worker can get to work on time and, therefore, return home with the exact vehicle.
On the other hand, companies that offer accessible vehicles to their employees usually cover the cost of gas and car maintenance.
Car donation programs
Just as there are programs for buying a home, cash loans, home remodeling, travel, etc., there are also programs for buying used and new cars. We mentioned the programs Toyota and General Motors offered above, and we can add Transportation4Heroes, which is for veterans.
On the other hand, Vehicles for Change is another organization providing cars to vulnerable families. There are also churches and charitable campaigns that offer this type of help to people who come to their congregations, such as Lutheran Church Charities.
Discounts and fundraisers
If you can’t locate a place where they can donate a car to you, you can start fundraising and saving up to buy a car. We know it’s not cheap, so checking with car dealers for discounts never hurts.
Regarding fundraising, GoFundMe is one of the most popular ways to ask for money for charitable causes. It may not be able to raise all the money the car is worth, but it will undoubtedly contribute to reaching the final amount. Remember to appeal to sincerity and honesty in the description of the request. Believe it or not, some people are willing to collaborate to help you fulfill your dreams.
Which charities give away free cars?
Some several non-profit organizations and companies offer the possibility of acquiring a car for free. In addition to the ones mentioned above (Toyota4Good and General Motors), some other Non-Governmental Organizations can help you fulfill your dream of owning your car.
Onlinecardonation.com
This website, as the name implies, allows people who need a vehicle to contact other people who want to donate their used cars. You will only need to fill out an application form, where you will have to write a text explaining why you need the vehicle and why you are eligible to acquire a car.
Cars4christmas
This organization allows the most economically disadvantaged families, disabled people, or veterans to acquire a vehicle for free. The highest priority is those residing in rural areas or far from the city.
To apply for a free car, you must fill out a form stating your needs and how it would improve your life and the lives of your loved ones to be the beneficiary of one of their free cars. If the selection committee considers you, you will be asked to attend a one-on-one interview.
Vehicles for Change
If you are in Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia, you can reach out to Vehicles for Change. This organization gives vehicles to families who meet specific requirements. To apply, you must reside in Maryland or North Virginia, have valid insurance and a valid driver’s license, work 30 hours per week, have no history of DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), or other criminal offenses.
800-Charity Cars
This organization provides cars to needy families nationwide. To be eligible for a vehicle, you must go through an application process and prove that you are experiencing severe financial hardship. While this process is lengthy, you don’t lose anything by trying.
Good News Garage
There are two programs to turn to if you need a free car: “Ready to Go” and “Wheels to Work.” The first consists of a transportation service to transport people with medical emergencies or who need to go to an appointment, job interview, or work. Wheels to Work, on the other hand, is aimed at residents of Vermont and Massachusetts. This agency allows you to donate cars to families and individuals who need their mobility.
Cars4heroes
This program provides transportation for veterans, military personnel, and their families by donating vehicles to the Armed Forces. Suppose a child, spouse, grandchild, or relative of an army member proves eligible for a car. In that case, they can get on the waiting list after completing an application form along with a DD-214 (military service) form.