Top 10 Charities to Donate Your Car in 2025

Rakibul Hasan
Chief Editor of - Autos Donation

Rakibul Hasan, the CEO and founder of Autosdonation, is an automotive specialist with over a decade of industry experience. With a distinct mastery in car...Read more

Donating your car is one of the most impactful ways to support a cause you care about while benefiting from potential tax savings. With reputable organizations making the donation process easy and transparent, you can ensure your old vehicle creates meaningful change. Here’s a detailed list of the top 10 charities to consider for donating your car in 2025.


1. Habitat for Humanity

  • Purpose: Build affordable housing for low-income families.
  • Car Donation Program: Cars for Homes.
  • How it Works: Your car is sold to raise funds for building materials, construction projects, and disaster recovery.
  • Tax Deduction: Deduct the sale price or fair market value depending on the car’s use.
  • Why Choose Them?
    • Supports sustainable housing.
    • Transparent use of funds.
    • Free towing for donors.

Website: Habitat.org


2. Goodwill Industries

  • Purpose: Provides job training, education, and community programs.
  • Car Donation Program: Goodwill Vehicle Donation.
  • How it Works: Vehicles are sold, and proceeds fund job placement programs.
  • Tax Deduction: Claim the car’s sale price as a deduction.
  • Why Choose Them?
    • Directly supports local communities.
    • Programs aimed at breaking poverty cycles.
    • Environmentally conscious recycling of old cars.

Website: Goodwill.org


3. Make-A-Wish Foundation

  • Purpose: Grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.
  • Car Donation Program: Wheels for Wishes.
  • How it Works: Vehicles are sold at auctions, and proceeds fund children’s wishes.
  • Tax Deduction: Deduct the car’s sale price or fair market value if applicable.
  • Why Choose Them?
    • Helps create joyous moments for critically ill children.
    • Streamlined donation process with free towing.
    • Excellent donor satisfaction rates.

Website: WheelsForWishes.org


4. American Cancer Society

  • Purpose: Supports cancer research, treatment, and education.
  • Car Donation Program: Cars for a Cure.
  • How it Works: Vehicles are sold or scrapped to generate funds for patient services.
  • Tax Deduction: Based on the car’s sale price.
  • Why Choose Them?
    • Provides critical support for cancer patients.
    • Contributes to groundbreaking research.
    • Offers a simple donation process.

Website: Cancer.org


5. The Salvation Army

  • Purpose: Provides housing, disaster relief, and rehabilitation services.
  • Car Donation Program: Salvation Army Vehicle Donation.
  • How it Works: Cars are sold at auction, and proceeds fund community programs.
  • Tax Deduction: Deduct the sale price of your vehicle.
  • Why Choose Them?
    • Trusted global charity with diverse outreach programs.
    • Free towing services.
    • Supports local and international initiatives.

Website: SalvationArmyUSA.org


6. Kars4Kids

  • Purpose: Supports children’s education and mentoring programs.
  • Car Donation Program: Kars4Kids Car Donation.
  • How it Works: Vehicles are resold or recycled, and proceeds support youth programs.
  • Tax Deduction: Claim your car’s sale price or fair market value.
  • Why Choose Them?
    • Offers a vacation voucher as a thank-you gift.
    • Simple online donation form.
    • Focused on child development.

Website: Kars4Kids.org


7. NPR (National Public Radio)

  • Purpose: Funds public radio programming and educational content.
  • Car Donation Program: NPR Car Donation.
  • How it Works: Cars are sold, and funds go to your local NPR station.
  • Tax Deduction: Based on the car’s sale price.
  • Why Choose Them?
    • Helps sustain quality public broadcasting.
    • Local impact by funding nearby NPR stations.
    • Easy donation process with free towing.

Website: NPR.org


8. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

  • Purpose: Assists veterans with healthcare, housing, and job placement.
  • Car Donation Program: VFW Vehicle Donation.
  • How it Works: Cars are sold, and proceeds support veterans’ services.
  • Tax Deduction: Claim the car’s sale price.
  • Why Choose Them?
    • Focused on improving veterans’ quality of life.
    • Transparent allocation of funds.
    • Offers towing services at no cost.

Website: VFW.org


9. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

  • Purpose: Provides free treatment for children with life-threatening illnesses.
  • Car Donation Program: St. Jude Vehicle Donation.
  • How it Works: Cars are sold or auctioned, and proceeds fund research and treatment programs.
  • Tax Deduction: Claim the sale price of your vehicle.
  • Why Choose Them?
    • 100% donor-supported charity.
    • Helps families avoid medical costs.
    • Simplified donation process with towing included.

Website: StJude.org


10. Ronald McDonald House Charities

  • Purpose: Offers housing and support for families of hospitalized children.
  • Car Donation Program: RMHC Vehicle Donation Program.
  • How it Works: Vehicles are sold to fund housing and operational costs.
  • Tax Deduction: Claim the car’s sale price as a deduction.
  • Why Choose Them?
    • Directly supports families during medical crises.
    • Well-known for its commitment to community service.
    • Free towing included.

Website: RMHC.org


How to Choose the Right Charity for Your Car Donation

When selecting a charity, consider these factors:

  1. Mission Alignment: Pick an organization whose cause resonates with you.
  2. Transparency: Check for their 501(c)(3) status to ensure tax deduction eligibility.
  3. Ease of Process: Look for charities that provide free towing and simple paperwork.
  4. Impact: Ensure your donation has a meaningful impact by researching how funds are used.

FAQs About Car Donation

1. What if my car doesn’t run?
Most charities accept non-operational cars and handle towing at no cost.

2. How long does the donation process take?
From start to finish, it typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the charity and location.

3. Can I donate a car without a title?
Some charities accept cars without titles, but it’s best to check with the specific organization.


Conclusion

Donating your car in 2025 is an excellent way to give back to society while enjoying tax benefits. The charities listed here offer trustworthy, efficient programs that make the process easy and impactful. Whether you’re passionate about helping children, supporting veterans, or funding education, your old car can make a difference.

Rakibul HasanChief Editor of - Autos Donation

Rakibul Hasan, the CEO and founder of Autosdonation, is an automotive specialist with over a decade of industry experience. With a distinct mastery in car donations, sponsorships, and gifting, Rakibul combines his passion for automobiles and generosity to revolutionize the car donation landscape. He established Autosdonation to facilitate the car donation and gifting process, making it more accessible and enjoyable for all involved.

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