About Cars with Causes
A charity that takes the thing you cannot sell
Cars with Causes is the vehicle donation program of Giving Center, a nationwide IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 92-1162407. We accept cars, trucks, equipment, trailers, boats and aircraft anywhere in the United States, arrange transport, sell them, and use the proceeds to fund Giving Center's programs.
Who you are actually dealing with
Giving Center has funded its work with donated property rather than cash appeals since 2005. Cars with Causes is one of several programs under that organization, alongside boats, aircraft, real estate, technology and collectibles.
One thing worth knowing about this industry: in much of it, the phone number you call and the paperwork you receive belong to a for-profit processor working on behalf of several charities at once. Here, the charity is the one handling your donation. Giving Center's name and EIN are on your receipt and on your Form 1098-C, and the person who answers (888) 228-7320 can see your file.
How we work, and what we will not do
We tell donors what their deduction will actually be based on, which for a vehicle the charity sells is the gross sale proceeds rather than fair market value. We say so before pickup, not after, even though a vaguer answer would convert better.
- We will not promise a deduction figure before the item sells, because the sale is what sets it.
- We will not say a donation costs you nothing without qualifying it: a qualified appraisal above $5,000 is your expense and your choice, because the IRS requires the appraiser to be independent of us.
- We will not take something at a loss and call it a gift. If the tow would consume the proceeds, we say so and point you somewhere better.
- We invest in outcomes, not ad campaigns. Your contribution is not used for paid media.
What donors have said
I got a new truck and instead of the hassle of trying to sell my Ford F-450 I gave it to your charity and had no issues. The tow guy looked through the truck before he took it and found a crumpled up $20 bill stuck under the seat and handed it to me. Talk about honesty. I will definitely remember you guys the next time I am ready to donate.
My husband and I donated our late 80s Southwind RV a few months ago. We had been trying to sell it for over seven months and I think due to its age no one was interested, even with only 36,000 miles on it, always stored, and the appliances, heater and generator all new. You had someone come pick it up, it started right up and they drove it away. Great thing is you sold it for more than we were asking.
My pops and I planned on restoring an old International pickup my grandpa bought new in the 50s and just never got around to it. Pops caught covid and has not been the same since. We decided it was best to just donate the truck and that is what I did. Sad to see it go but happy with how easy you made everything.
How to check us before you donate
Search EIN 92-1162407 in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. That confirms the exempt status of the organization receiving your vehicle, and it takes about a minute. It is the check worth doing before donating anything of value to any charity, ours included.
Questions about the organization
Is Cars with Causes itself a 501(c)(3)?
Cars with Causes is the vehicle donation program of Giving Center, which is the nationwide IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 92-1162407. Giving Center is the organization named on your receipt and your Form 1098-C.
Are you a middleman for other charities?
No. Giving Center is the charity receiving your donation and handling it directly, which is not the norm in this industry.
Where are you located?
Giving Center operates nationwide and arranges transport for vehicles anywhere in the United States. Call (888) 228-7320 to reach the team handling donations.
What else does Giving Center accept?
Boats, aircraft, real estate, technology, collectibles and more, each through its own program. givingcenter.org covers the full range.
Can I visit or drop a vehicle off?
Most donations are picked up from where they sit, which is simpler for everyone. If you would prefer to deliver something, call and we will arrange it.
Something sitting idle?
Tell us what it is and where. We will tell you honestly what we can do with it.
Giving Center does not provide tax, legal or financial advice. Donations are deductible to the extent allowed by law. See IRS Publication 526, Publication 561 and Publication 4303, and consult a tax professional.