Best Car Donation for Veterans: Top 5 Places & How to Donate

By | February 14, 2023
Best Car Donation for Veterans 1

As a patriotic American, I always felt that it was my duty to support those who have fought to protect our freedom. However, I never quite knew how to do it.

That is until I learned about car donations for veterans.

Not only did I feel like I was making a tangible difference in someone’s life, but I also found a convenient and hassle-free way to dispose of my old vehicle.

In this post, I’ll be sharing the Best Car Donation for Veterans as well as explaining how to donate one yourself.

Best Car Donation for Veterans: Top 5 Programs

Best Car Donation for Veterans

These are some of the best car donation for veterans:

1. Purple Heart Foundation

The Purple Heart Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps veterans wounded or killed in combat and their families. They provide financial support, advocacy, and recognition for the sacrifices made by these veterans.

To apply for the Purple Heart Foundation, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Purple Hearts Foundation’s website and go to the “Vehicle Donation” page.
  2. Fill out the online donation form, providing information about the vehicle being donated and the veteran who will receive the donation.
  3. Wait for a representative to contact you to discuss the donation and schedule a pick-up time and location.
  4. On the pick-up day, the Purple Heart Foundation will tow the donated vehicle away and provide the necessary tax documentation for the donor.

If you need a car for yourself as a Veteran but don’t have much money to put down, check this post to find a 500 down car lot near you.

2. AMVETS National Service Foundation

AMVETS National Service Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports veterans and their families. It offers a variety of programs and services and one of them is a vehicle donation program that accepts donated vehicles and makes them available to eligible veterans and their families.

To apply:

  1. Visit the AMVETS National Service Foundation website or call their toll-free number to request a paper application.
  2. Fill out the application, making sure that all the necessary information, including proof of military service and income.
  3. Provide a copy of the veteran’s driver’s license or proof of insurance.
  4. Submit the completed application and all required documentation and wait for AMVETS to review.
  5. If approved, the veteran may be contacted to schedule a time to pick up the donated vehicle.

3. Blinded Veterans Association

The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) is a non-profit organization that provides services and support to blind veterans. Its mission is to improve the lives of blind veterans by championing their rights, promoting their well-being and helping them live full and independent lives.

To apply:

  1. Go to the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) website.
  2. Fill out the online membership application form or contact the BVA National Headquarters to request a membership application.
  3. Provide proof of military service and proof of vision impairment.
  4. Submit the completed application and wait for the approval.
  5. After approval, the veteran is made a member of the BVA and gains access to the services and benefits of the organization.

4. Soldiers’ Angels

Soldiers’ Angels is a national non-profit organization that provides support and comfort to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families. It offers a wide range of assistance programs, including mailing care packages, veterans assistance, and military family assistance.

To apply:

  1. Visit the Soldiers’ Angels website and select “Vehicle Donation Program” from the drop-down menu.
  2. Click on the “Apply Now” button.
  3. Fill out and submit the online application form.
  4. Wait for a response from Soldiers’ Angels regarding the status of your application.

5. Vietnam Veterans of America

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a national nonprofit organization that provides support, advocacy, and resources to Vietnam War veterans and their families. VVA is committed to promoting and protecting the rights and interests of all veterans, especially those affected by the Vietnam War.

To apply:

  1. Gather information about the vehicle Vietnam Veterans of America website.
  2. Fill out the online donation form or call the VVA donation hotline.
  3. Schedule a pick-up place and time.
  4. Sign over the vehicle’s title and registration to VVA at the time of pickup.
  5. Collect a tax receipt for the donation.

Factors to Consider Before Selecting the Best Car Donation for Veterans

Factors to Consider Before Selecting the Best Car Donation for Veterans

These are the factors to consider when selecting the best car donation for veterans:

  • Choose a charity organization with a good reputation recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
  • Consider the charity’s mission and impact on veterans and their families.
  • Verify that the charity provides tax-deductible receipts for donated vehicles.
  • Check the charity’s ratings and reviews on charity watchdog sites such as Charity Navigator or CharityWatch.
  • Check the charity’s policies on car donations, their donation process, and what they do with donated cars.
  • Check if the charity has any restrictions on the type, condition, or age of the vehicle.
  • Compare the administrative fees charged by the charity to other organizations to ensure that your donation is being used efficiently.
  • Seek recommendations from friends or family who have donated their cars to charities supporting veterans before.
  • Find a charity with a convenient and straightforward donation process, including free towing or pick-up services.
  • Check if the charity is transparent and accountable in its use of the funds generated from donated vehicles.

How does the Car Donation for Veterans work?

Car donation programs typically donate vehicles to non-profit organizations that help veterans. These organizations can use the donated vehicles for their own transportation needs or sell them to fund the program. Donors may claim their contributions for tax purposes.

If your vehicle is total junk, consider just donating the seats. Check out this post to know if can you donate car seats to goodwill.

Tax Benefits Of Car Donation for Veterans

The tax benefits of car donation for veterans are:

  • Tax deduction for a fair market value of the vehicle.
  • Satisfaction of charitable giving and support for veterans’ organizations.
  • Reduction in taxable income.
  • Avoidance of costs associated with selling or disposing of the vehicle.

How to Donate Your Car to a Veteran Charity

Follow these steps to Donate Your Car to a Veteran Charity:

  1. Find a veterans’ charity with a good reputation that accepts car donations and contact them to confirm their donation process and eligibility requirements.
  2. Gather all necessary information and documentation, such as the car’s title, registration, and condition.
  3. Complete any required forms or paperwork from the charity and the DMV and arrange for the car to be picked up or delivered to the charity.
  4. Collect a receipt of donation or acknowledgment letter from the charity for tax purposes.

How Do I Know if A Car veteran Car Donation Program is Trustworthy?

How Do I Know if A Car Donation Program for Veterans Is Trustworthy

Keep these things in mind to know if a Veteran car donation program is trustworthy:

  • Learn everything there is to learn about the organization.
  • Check their credentials.
  • Ask for transparency with information concerning their use of donated cars and proceeds distribution.
  • Contact the charity affiliated with the program.
  • Use a watchdog group to check if there are any negative reviews.

Benefits for Veterans

Veterans benefit the following from car donations:

  • Employment Opportunities: Some veterans’ organizations may use proceeds from the sale of donated vehicles to provide vocational training and employment opportunities for veterans.
  • Financial assistance: Proceeds from the sale of donated vehicles can be used to provide financial assistance to veterans in need such as assistance with housing, medical expenses, and education.
  • Tax deductions: Due to their charitable contribution, donors may be eligible for a tax deduction which can help reduce their tax liability.
  • Transportation: Some veterans do not have access to reliable transportation so these organizations may use the donated vehicles to provide transportation to them.

FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions concerning the best car donation for veterans:

What kind of vehicles can be donated to veterans?

Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and motorcycles, regardless of the make, model, or age of the vehicle will be accepted by most charities that accept vehicle donations.

How can I find the best car donation program for veterans?

To find the best car donation for veterans, research and compare reputable charities with a clear mission and impact. Look for recognition from trusted third-party reviewers such as Charity Navigator and GuideStar.

Conclusion

If you are thinking about a great way to give back to those who served the country, donating a car to a veterans’ charity is a good place to start. You must consider factors like the charity’s reputation, transparency, and how the donation will be used to benefit veterans when you want to choose the best car donation for veterans.

Doing your research properly and selecting a reputable veterans’ charity will make a meaningful contribution to the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country. So, whenever you are looking for the best car donation for veterans, take the time to choose from the recommendations we provided to ensure that your donation makes a real difference in the lives of those who served.