DONATING A
CAR IS EASY.

Car donation is when a former car owner gives their no-longer-used cars to a charitable organization. The car is then sold at a donation center or at auction, and the profits are given to charity. Whether it’s in perfect condition or it no longer starts, a used car can still go a long way toward helping our neighbors in need.

Father Joe’s Villages was voted San Diego’s best charity in the 2018 San Diego Union Tribune’s reader’s poll. We are the local leader in ending homelessness. Watchdog organizations say that top-rated charities should spend at least 75% of their budget on services. Father Joe’s Villages works hard to ensure that as much as your money as possible goes directly to programs helping our neighbors in need. 83% of our revenues are spent on our life-changing programs. As a result, your vehicle donation can help transform the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in San Diego. Plus, by donating your vehicle, you avoid the costs associated with selling it.

You can receive tax benefits for giving back to your local community. Father Joe’s Villages is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your car is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution to the extent allowed by law.  After you donate to Father Joe’s Villages, a donation receipt will be provided to you that provides the details of your contribution.

According to the IRS –

If the charity sells your car for more than $500: You can claim the full sale price for your tax deduction. Write the deduction amount on your IRS 1040 form.

If the charity sells your car for less than $500: You can claim the fair market value up to a maximum of $500. Fill out a IRS Form 8283 Section A and a Form 9453 for e-filing.

If the charity sells your car for less than $5,000: You will be required to submit an IRS Form 8283, an IRS Form 1098-c (or a legal receipt from charity) and a written appraisal of the vehicle’s value to the IRS (we will provide).

Benefits will depend on your individual tax situation, so please refer to your tax advisor.

You can donate a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, RV or other motor vehicle— Father Joe’s Villages accepts vehicles of all kinds!

We can accept your car donation, whether the car is running or not. If you have questions about a particular vehicle, contact a friendly representative at 1-619-HOMELESS to get your questions answered.

We make the experience as smooth as possible for our valued donors. When preparing for your scheduled vehicle pick-up, please bring the title for your vehicle. If you don’t have your title, please bring your registration. Aside from having the title and/or registration, we’ll need proof of Lien release, if applicable.

At the time of pick-up, we’ll give you a packet of DMV paperwork. You’ll need to sign the Release of Liability, Statement of Errors, Bill of Sale, Application for Duplicate Title, Transfer without Probate and Statement of Facts. After signing, we’ll take care of the rest!

See “Is my donation tax-deductible?” for more information about potential tax benefits.

No, you may donate your vehicle without these documents.

We make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. We will schedule the pick-up as soon as we can.

Yes, our donation pick-up services are free. If you are able, we are happy to accept cash donations to cover the cost of gas. Our drivers carry donation envelopes.

No. Special arrangements can be made by calling our representative.