Charity Car Donations – How to Get the Real Deal

It sounds so simple. Rather than sell or trade in your old car simply donate it to make a tax efficient and hassle free donation to a charity of your choice.

There is certainly no doubt that car donation programs have become one of the most popular ways for all sorts of non profit groups to raise funds. To service this need a whole slew of companies have set themselves up as you or your organisation’s “best friend”. A way to avoid all the hassle and all the annoying little details. Yes please.

But of course real life doesn’t work like that and many people would be surprised if they realised just how little of their generous donation actually gets to help their particular good cause. 

For the good causes too there are obvious reasons to maximise the value of any donation and the efforts of those who support them. There is also a duty to protect their good name and ensure that people who wish to support them can do so in confidence. No charity should simply sign up with a car donation outfit just because they can. They have a responsibility to ensure any organisation they partner with and allow to use their “good name” are the real deal.

So how do you make sure your donation will work the way you want it to -

1. If at all possible find a charity that directly accept car donations themselves. Many larger charities operate their own car lots, or have their own comprehensive donation programs in place.

2. If you have to use an intermediary company check the percentage of the car‘s value that will go to your good cause.

3. Make sure that your chosen charity is properly registered as one. Otherwise your donation will not attract the tax saving you will be due. In the USA this means that your intended recipient must have 501 (c) (3) public charity status.

4. If your car runs drive it to the recipient. This will either save the charity the hassle and cost of sending a driver or tow truck; or in the case of using an intermediary company, the (hidden) cost of a “free” collection which ultimately comes out of the final donation to your good cause.

5. Fill out all the paperwork properly. Ensure that the vehicle is properly and officially signed over. Failure to do this may see you finding yourself still liable for any incidents involving the car  in the future. You will also need a proper paper trail including a receipt for the revenue authorities should you wish to claim against your tax liability.

As with everything in life taking a little time, doing a little bit of research and not jumping at the first offer (especially if it seems too good to be true) will make sure that you and your favorite good cause get the best deal possible – the real deal!

Neill Wilkins

To find out more about Charity Car Donations and all sorts of other great fundraising ideas please visit my website http://www.better-fundraising-ideas.com/charity-car-donations.html

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