Archive for the ‘Donations’ Category

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Car Donations Decline in a Bad Economy

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

As individuals, we’ve all been hit by the bad economy. In economies like this, people are inclined to hold onto everything they have, spend less, and unfortunately, give less. Even now that it is recovering, people are slow to donate cars to charity.

These charities rely on the generosity of others, and cannot function without the support (financial and otherwise) given by people who care. When it comes to car donations, more people are disposed to wait and hang onto their old cars, either because they do not have the extra money to purchase a new car or because they hope to get more money from selling their old car in a better economy.

Experts say this decline is only to be expected, but the truth of the matter is that the charities are not able to help as many people as they have in the past, even though there is a higher need for it now in a bad economy. Though people are struggling and need the help of these charities, their hands are tied without the support of individuals like yourself.

Adding to the decline of the economy, fewer people are donating cars because of the changes to the IRS policies. Many people assume that the process is now too difficult to make it worth it, but car donations are still easy if you choose the right organization to help you through the process—every step of the way.

If you are interested in donating a car to charity, there is no better time like the present. Make a difference and feel the warmth that comes from doing something for someone in need.

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Reasons To Donate A Car To Charity

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

The reasons to donate a car are many—some of them are practical while others are more emotional, but all of them can make you stop and think. On the practical side of things, your current car might be getting a little older, less reliable and it might not have all the safety features available in newer cars.

Sometimes, the repair costs on an older vehicle can add up to more than the car is really worth, which might mean it’s time to donate it to charity. You want your family to be safe, which is easier done with a new car. While you might try selling your clunker, you probably won’t get enough money to make it worth your time.

However, with donating, it is easy and emotionally satisfying. With this simple act, you are helping out those who cannot help themselves. Every little bit helps, and when you combine your donation with all the others received at our organization, you can see why we can make a bigger difference.

Some people wonder how long it takes to donate a car to charity, and the answer is not long at all. Once you call us, we will schedule a time to pick up your vehicle and have you sign the paperwork—everything is on your timetable.

When your car has reached the end of its road, you can still use it to benefit others. We take care of all the details, so the entire process runs smoothly and you are left with that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you know you’ve done something good. Also keep in mind that you will qualify for a car donation tax deduction.

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Car Donations In Any Condition

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

A car doesn’t have to be in working condition to be a valid donation. In fact, you can donate a car that doesn’t seem to have any redeemable value at all. There is even a special occasion when someone will make sure the vehicle never runs again before trying to sell it. The resulting shape and state of these vehicles has been called “art” by some and “cubes” by others.


While some charities use a car donation as transportation within their own organization and others fix up the vehicles to sell them at auction, these options just aren’t available for vehicles that have been – in the best sense of the phrase – run into the ground. That doesn’t mean they are completely worthless, though. In fact, up in Winnipeg there is currently a program going on in which the Habitat for Humanity is benefiting from cars that have a certain “boxy” theme to them.

In an article in the Winnipeg Free Press they discuss the collaboration between Habitat for Humanity and Urbanmine – a metal recycler. This car donation program will give the proceeds from the recycled car to Habitat, which will then used those funds to help with the construction of new homes. This is just one of the many examples of people using charitable car donations to make a difference wherever they can. In this case, there are two distinct benefits. One, the Habitat for Humanity will receive some very important funding, and two, the recycling process will remove old clunkers from the road and make sure they don’t just waste away in a landfill.

No matter how attached you may be to your old car, there comes a time when you just have to let it go. You may not be fond of the idea that your faithful car or truck is headed toward a temporary career as “modern art” but the money made from recycling the steel and other components in the car can really help out a worthy organization.

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More Tips For Charity Car Donations

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

It’s usually pretty simple and straightforward to donate a car to charity, but there are still a few things you can do to make sure that everything goes smoothly. These tips are often overlooked because they seem like small things, but if you want to get the most out of your vehicle, it’s important to pay attention to every detail.

Make sure of the final destination

A car donation can lead to a fairly significant tax deduction, but only if it goes to the right place. The charitable organization must have 501(c)(3) public charity status in order for your donation to count as a tax deduction. Donations to a 501(c)(4) organizations are usually not tax deductible.

Fully transfer the car

Never just leave the assignment of ownership blank. When you donate the car make sure that it is filled in. If the car ends up getting sold to another user who doesn’t re-license it, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble. Any tickets that they receive or crimes they commit with the vehicle will still be attached to your name. Car donations are meant to help everyone involved, not cause a lot of new legal difficulties.

Finish all the paperwork

In order to get the full car donation tax deduction, you will need to make sure all the paperwork is completed. This means that if the car is worth more than $500 you must also complete and attach the IRS Form 8283.

Value your car correctly

The regulations on donating a car for a tax donation have gotten pretty strict. Since 2005 you can no longer deduct the market value of a car that is worth more than $500. If this is the case for your donation, you will be able to determine your final deduction after the car is sold and you find out exactly how much it went for.

When to use Fair Market Value (FMV)

There are some times when you can still deduct the fair market value for your car donation. FMV is usable when the charity keeps and uses the car, or when they make improvements to the vehicle before selling it. It is also available when the car is sold at a discount to someone with a low income, or just when it is worth less than $500.

We always want to make the donation process as simple as possible, but if you keep these tips in mind it will be even easier to donate your car and help out the best charitable organizations.

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Donating A Car – James Bond Style

Monday, June 14th, 2010

The James Bond Aston Martin DB5 from “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball” is going to be auctioned on October 27th. Since 1969, Jerry Lee, an American radio broadcaster, has owned the classic car.

Aston Martin has only made two special edition cars ever, and this one is completely operational with secret agent gadgets, like a tracking device, revolving number plates, oil slick sprayer, machine guns, nail spreader and a bulletproof shield.

Like many car donations, the proceeds from this auction will go towards charity, and while your car donation might not bring in the $6 million expected from the car driven by Sean Connery, you can still make a difference with a car donation of your own.

When you donate a car to charity, you help those in need. And who knows, maybe getting rid of that clunker will help free you up to purchase the ultimate car, the James Bond Aston Martin DB5.

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Avoiding Car Donation Scams

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

When you want to donate a car, you have to be careful which business to which you donate. As with any business, there are some scams, and unfortunately, when it comes to charities, some people are all too willing to play on your heartstrings and take your money. We recently came across this video about car donation scams, and we thought it would be good to pass along.

This video describes something that is unfortunately, common practice for some car donation operations. Rest assured, when you donate a car to 1800CarDonations.org, we make sure your money actually gets into the hands of people who need it.

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10 Reasons To Donate A Car

Friday, May 7th, 2010

There has been a lot of talk about car donations to charity, and many people have discovered that this really is a great way to get rid of that old clunker while doing something good for the community or a favorite charitable organization. Everyone seems to have a different reason for donating a car, though. Here are 10 of the best reasons (in no particular order) to consider this as a final option for your vehicle.

  1. The Tax Deduction – A car donation can lead to fairly substantial tax benefits. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people save a lot of money on their taxes because of this deduction.
  2. Help a Family in Need – There are a lot of low income families that could use a working vehicle. It may not be the newest, sweetest thing on the road, but it will get them from place to place, which can be priceless.
  3. Contribute to a Favorite Charity – Charitable organizations need your help. If you have a favorite organization that supports something you believe in, this could be a great way to lend a hand.
  4. Provide the Charity with a Working Vehicle – Sometimes charities need more than money. Sometimes they can put your car straight to use within the organization.
  5. Stop Making Useless Insurance Payments – Why keep paying insurance on that clunker when you never use it? You can easily eliminate this burden.
  6. Stop Making Repairs on Clunkers – At what point have you put more money into your vehicle than it is worth? Donate the car and stop the money drain.
  7. Stop Feeling Unsafe in Your Own Car – Have you ever driven down the road and felt sure that the axel was about to drop out of the car? It’s time to get rid of it.
  8. Reduce Pollution – Those old cars weren’t the most environmentally friendly vehicles around. Donating it will get it off the road and reduce your carbon footprint.
  9. Recycling Potential – Is your car completely unusable? It can always be recycled and put to use in a different way.
  10. Feel Good About Something – Whatever other monetary benefits are involved with this process, you can walk away from your car knowing you’ve done something good.

There are many other good reasons to donate your car to charity, just take some time to consider your options and evaluate your vehicle. Is it doing you any good? Could it do some good for someone else? Car donations may be the simplest, most effective way to deal with those old vehicles.

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