There are many charities in the United States that accept vehicle donations. These programs are a popular way for people to dispose of their cars and still help a good cause.
However, not all car donation charities are created equal. Too often, donors are duped into giving their vehicles to a broker or middleman that takes a large cut of the proceeds and then passes the rest along to the charity.
1. Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit organization that helps families around the world build or improve their homes. Its work adds strength, stability and independence to people’s lives by providing decent housing.
To accomplish its mission, Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteers from local communities and other organizations. It also works with partner families and local governments to help them improve their neighborhoods.
Volunteers contribute hundreds of hours of sweat equity, helping at build sites or in home improvement stores called ReStores. Other volunteers can also make a difference in the community by teaching children about responsibility, donating materials or working at the Habitat office.
Habitat for Humanity operates in nearly 70 countries worldwide and has a strong emphasis on building houses abroad. It also encourages global volunteer trips through its Global Village department, based in Americus, Georgia, USA.
2. Children’s Hospital of Orange County
CHOC Children’s Hospital, based in Orange County, California, is a leading destination for children’s health care. It operates a regional pediatric healthcare network that includes two state-of-the-art hospitals in Orange and Mission Viejo, as well as multiple primary and specialty care clinics serving children and families throughout four counties.
CHOC is nationally ranked in 7 pediatric specialties and is also a Magnet facility, the highest award a medical facility can receive for nursing excellence. It is committed to improving the health of children through its exceptional care and research and innovation institutes.
When donating your car, it is important to choose a reputable charity that will handle the donation process for you. You’ll want to make sure the organization you choose has a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. This will allow you to deduct the value of your donation from your taxes. In addition, you’ll want to find a charity that is highly efficient in supporting its stated mission.
3. Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian religious and charitable movement organized in a military pattern. Its message is based on the Bible and its ministry is motivated by love of God.
The Army has a global membership of over 1 million consisting of soldiers, officers and adherent members. Its evangelistic efforts are focused on the poor and needy, and its social welfare services include community centers, disaster relief and refugee camps.
In the United States, The Salvation Army has become one of the country’s largest providers of social aid. The organization has responded to countless natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and typhoons.
The organization also has a Red Shield Defence Services unit, which provides humanitarian assistance and spiritual care to troops serving in war zones around the world. The Salvation Army is one of the first relief agencies to respond to the September 11 attacks in New York City in 2001, and was active in disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina.
4. Goodwill
Car donation charities in the USA are a great way to help those in need. These organizations provide a tax deduction and are committed to helping local residents get back on their feet.
Charity Navigator rates Goodwill with a 4-star rating and says they have strong community values. They help people regain their strength and stability by helping them to find jobs and learn to live independently again.
Goodwill operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Its network of affiliate locations is independent and run by regional managers.
One of the challenges with Goodwill is that many stores have different policies and practices that differ from one another. This can make for a frustrating experience, and customers cannot always escalate their problems to the company headquarters.
In most car donation situations, the vehicle is re-sold at auction by a third-party on behalf of the charity. This may not result in the full value of your donation.
