The CARS Vehicle
Donation Program

We provide everything you need to launch and sustain a successful vehicle donation program — from marketing tools and donor support to pick-up, sale, and reporting. No cost to your organization or added work for your team. Just steady, dependable funding you can count on..

Get Started

What Our Partners Are Saying...

“With help from CARS, vehicle donations offer steady and reliable support for the animals, helping to save the lives of more pets in shelters and supporting our mission to bring about a time where there are No More Homeless Pets®”

Casey Smith,

Direct Response Manager, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

“Our vehicle donation program through CARS raises more than one of our 9-day fund drives – with minimal on-air spots and promotion. We have a great working relationship with our reps at CARS, and they help Cincinnati Public Radio fulfill our mission every day with less fundraising.”

Sherri Mancini,

Vice President of Development, Cincinnati Public Radio

Yellow-gold coin icon with a 3D dollar-sign embossed in the center

Over $500 million raised for nonprofits through vehicle donations

Map icon highlighting U.S. coverage, including Alaska and Hawaii

10,000+ nonprofits nationwide partner with CARS

Hundreds of customizable marketing materials

Benefits of the Program

Full-Service Donation Management

We handle the entire vehicle donation process, from donor outreach to pick-up and fund distribution.

No Cost to Your Nonprofit

Signing up for the program is completely free, with no upfront costs or financial risk to your organization.

Dedicated Donor Support

We provide comprehensive donor assistance, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Nationwide Reach

Our program can pick up and process vehicle donations from almost anywhere in the U.S., making it easy for your supporters to give no matter where they are.

Custom Marketing Support

We provide complimentary promotional materials, digital assets, and marketing strategies to help your organization maximize donor engagement.

Our Partners

Become a Partner

Turn vehicle donations into funding for your nonprofit.

FAQs

What types of vehicles can I donate in California?

You can donate a car, truck, SUV, RV, boat, motorcycle, or other vehicles to DAV. DAV accepts vehicles from all across California - from San Diego to Redding and San Francisco to Bakersfield.

How do I donate a vehicle in California?

Donating a vehicle in California is easy – all you need to do is fill out our online form or call us and provide some basic information about your vehicle.

Is my car donation tax deductible?

Yes! Vehicle donations are eligible for a tax deduction, but please check with your tax advisor to understand your specific tax situation. According to the IRS Guidelines, donors may claim fair market value for their vehicle donation up to the actual sale value. If a vehicle is sold for more than $500, the maximum amount of your deduction will be the sales price of the vehicle which will be listed on your IRS Form 1098-C.

A special rule may apply if the donated vehicle sells for $500 or less. In this case, a deduction for the lesser of the vehicle’s fair market value on the date of the contribution may be claimed, or $500, provided you have written acknowledgment (i.e. the initial donation receipt or the thank-you letter you receive once the donation process is complete).

The CARS Vehicle Donation Program