How Do I Donate Church Vans?

A used van can make a wonderful gift to a church

Like many charitable organizations, churches rely on donations to stay in the black. Donations can include anything from computers and teaching and reading materials to vehicles. By donating a vehicle to a church, you give back to the community.

Instructions

Giving to a Church

1. Contact the church to find out its policies on vehicle donation. While some churches set their own policies at the congregational level, others work with separate charitable organizations to coordinate resources with needs. There are a number of midwestern Lutheran churches, for instance, that work with Lutheran church charities to make sure donations go to the churches that need them the most.

2. Have the vehicle serviced and cleaned. Tell your mechanic that you are planning to donate the vehicle, and they will check for any problems with brake pads, headlights, tire pressure, oil level and radiator fluid.

3. Arrange for drop-off. The church may request that you drive the vehicle to a designated center for vehicle donations, or they may ask you to bring the van to the church for a final inspection and paperwork. Make sure to ask for a receipt for your donation so you can claim it on your taxes.

References

• Lutheran Church Charities: Car/Van Donation
• Irs.gov: Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, Page 9

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish