How to Donate a Car to the American Cancer Society

Donating your car to the American Cancer Society helps fund the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Like many other charities, the American Cancer Society accepts used vehicles, running or not, as donations. Their program is known as Cars for the Cure. Completing the donation process is simple and hassle free--the American Cancer Society does most of the work for you, including picking up the car so you don't have to transport it. Donating a car to the American Cancer Society is tax-deductible. See the Resource section for the specific tax guidelines regarding automobile donations.

Things You'll Need

• Title
• Keys

Instructions

1. Locate the title to the car you want to donate. The title is required to complete the donation process. If you don't have the title, you'll need to obtain a duplicate title from your state motor vehicle department. If the title is held by a bank or financial institution--in other words, if you have a loan against it--you'll need to satisfy the terms of the agreement to receive a lien-free title.

2. Inspect the car. The American Cancer Society isn't picky about donated vehicles; they appreciate all the help they can get. However, the car must have four fully-inflated tires. If the car has a flat, you'll need to have the tire patched or replaced before donating it. Also, make sure you have the keys to the car.

3. Visit the American Cancer Society's Cars for a Cure website (see Resources). On this page, you'll find a short questionnaire to fill out. Include your personal information, such as your address and telephone number, and then fill out the vehicle information section. Include the make, model, mileage and condition of the vehicle. Submit your request online. Once the request is received, the American Cancer Society will mail you a packet.

   If you'd prefer, you can request this packet by telephone. Call 1-888-227-5500 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST) to request your packet.

4. Fill out the paperwork included in the packet. Sign and date each document. Mail the packet back to the American Cancer Society at the address specified on the forms. After your packet is received, an agent (usually from a towing agency) will be assigned to your case. The agent will contact you to arrange a date and time to complete the donation process.

References

• American Cancer Society: Cars for the Cure

Resources

• American Cancer Society Donation Form