Where Your Old Vehicle Can Make a Difference
Donating a car can be a convenient way to part with an unwanted vehicle while supporting a charitable cause. Instead of selling an old car or letting it sit idle, many people choose to donate it to organizations that use the proceeds to fund programs for veterans, children and communities in need. There are several well-known car donation programs in the USA, each with its own mission, process and tax benefits. Here’s a closer look at how some of the most popular programs work and what you can expect.
1. Kars4Kids
Kars4Kids is one of the most widely recognized car donation programs, thanks to its catchy jingle and national advertising campaigns. The organization primarily funds educational and youth programs.
Donors fill out a short online or phone form. Kars4Kids arranges free towing, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Once the car is sold at auction or used for parts, the proceeds go toward mentoring, education and extracurricular programs for children. Donors receive a tax-deductible receipt and, in some regions, a vacation voucher as a thank-you gift.
2. Vehicles for Veterans
Vehicles for Veterans is operated by the Car Donation Foundation and focuses on helping U.S. military veterans. Proceeds support services such as healthcare, housing and mental health assistance.
Donors call or fill out an online form. The organization offers free towing, often within a couple of days. Vehicles are typically sold at auction, and the money raised goes to charities that directly benefit veterans. Donors receive a tax deduction for their contribution. Vehicles for Veterans has a simple, donor-friendly process, making it appealing to those who want to give back to those who served.
3. Goodwill Car Donations
Goodwill, known for its thrift stores and job training programs, also accepts car donations.
Donors provide vehicle information online or by phone. Free towing is arranged, and the car is sold at auction or salvage yards. The money raised supports job training and employment placement services for people facing barriers to work. Goodwill provides a tax receipt, and donors can feel confident that their vehicle supports local workforce development programs.
4. Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes
Habitat for Humanity is best known for building affordable housing for families. Their Cars for Homes program turns vehicle donations into funding for housing projects across the country.
Donors complete a quick online form. Habitat arranges towing and sells the car. Proceeds are used locally to build or repair homes for families in need. Donors receive a tax deduction and the satisfaction of contributing directly to affordable housing projects in their own communities.
5. American Cancer Society’s Cars for a Cure
Cars for a Cure supports the American Cancer Society’s mission to fund cancer research, education and patient services.
Donors submit vehicle information online or by phone. The program provides free towing and sells the vehicle. The proceeds go toward cancer research and patient support services, such as rides to treatment. Donors get a tax deduction and the knowledge that their contribution supports one of the largest and most recognized nonprofit organizations in the health sector.
6. The Salvation Army Car Donation Program
The Salvation Army runs one of the oldest charitable car donation programs, funding its wide range of social services, including homeless shelters, disaster relief and rehabilitation centers.
Donors call or go online to schedule a pickup. Cars are auctioned or scrapped, with proceeds going to local Salvation Army programs. Donors receive a tax receipt and the assurance that their contribution helps fund community programs with a long-standing reputation.
7. Wheels for Wishes
Wheels for Wishes is another program run by the Car Donation Foundation, this one benefiting local chapters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Donors fill out a short form or call. Free towing is arranged, and vehicles are sold with proceeds funding wishes for children with critical illnesses. Donors receive a tax deduction, and their vehicle directly helps bring joy to children facing serious medical challenges.
The Benefits of Donating an Old Car
Donating a vehicle offers more than just a way to clear space in your driveway. It eliminates the hassle of selling or repairing an old car, provides free towing in most cases and gives donors a potential tax deduction. Most importantly, it transforms something unwanted into real support for meaningful causes—from helping children and families to supporting veterans and medical research.
By choosing the right program, you can ensure your car makes a lasting impact.