Some of the best car donations are charities. Donate a car to charity California.
Ready to donate an unwanted car but don’t know where to start? Many charities accept car donations.
The hard part is finding a legitimate charity that qualifies for the charitable contribution deduction, has a mission you believe in, and uses its donations effectively.
Here’s a look at some of the top reputable charities that readily accept car donations.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity accepts donated cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, farm equipment and construction equipment. Vehicles are resold or recycled to raise funds to support the charity’s mission to build safe and affordable homes for families in need.
Watchdog Charity Watch gives Habitat for Humanity International a grade of B (on a scale of A+ to F) for its financial practices. Charity Watch says the organization allocates 73% of its budget to programs versus overhead, and spends an average of $27 to raise $100 in contributions.
Guidestar, which researches nonprofit organizations, awarded Habitat a Gold Seal of Transparency in 2020.
To donate a car to Habitat for Humanity, you can use the Car Donation Wizard website or call 877-277-4344 to provide your vehicle information and schedule your pickup.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) can accept donations from your local chapter cars, trucks, boats, RVs and other vehicles. The organization sells cars and uses the proceeds to help bring a seriously ill or injured child door-to-door to the hospital.
Charity Watch has given RMHC’s national office an A grade. The watchdog says the organization uses 88% of its budget for programs (vs. overhead) and spends $9 to raise contributions for every $100.
To donate a vehicle to RMHC, call 855-227-7435 or visit the group’s car donation website. Charitable Adult Rides and Services (Cars), a non-profit organization that partners with RMHC for vehicle donations, will pick up your vehicle free of charge and claim a contribution to your taxes, sending the required documents.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army accepts vehicle donations at some locations. The organization sells donated vehicles to fund a variety of programs, including disaster relief, homeless shelters, food pantries, veterans services, job training and more.
The Salvation Army organization consists of four sectors: Central, Eastern, Southern and Western. Each is rated B+ or better by Charity Watch.
A page on the Salvation Army website can help you find car donation services near you.
Goodwill
You may not find a car at a good donation center, but charities accept donations of cars, RVs, boats, motorcycles and many other specialty vehicles. Well, it sells all the donated cars and uses the money to support its professional programs and other services.
WellSigly Industries International has been given an A grade by CharityWatch, which states that the organization devotes 87% of its budget to programs (rather than overhead) and only $2 to collection costs of $2 in contributions.
To get started, fill out the Goodwill Car Donation Form or call 855-980-0171. The organizer will schedule the pickup and send you an invoice.
Canyon Companion to Freedom
Cannon Fellows provides service dogs for adults, children and veterans with disabilities, and healthcare, criminal justice and education professionals.
Charity Watch gave Kai’s peers a B-grade, saying he uses 68% of his budget for programs and spends $20 on fundraising for every $100 in contributions.
The organization accepts donations of cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, motorcycles and other vehicles, moving or not. You can start your donation online or by calling 866-398-4483.