Guide to Car Donations for Charities
The gifting of used cars to charities has become a favorite way for Americans to dispose of unwanted vehicles.
DEC 20, 2021
Wise Giving Wednesday: Donating on Veterans Day
Nov 08, 2023
Many donors will choose to honor Veterans Day (Remembrance Day in Canada) by making contributions to charities that help veterans, military service members, and/or their families. To help donors make wise giving decisions about charities that address this community, BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips.
Watch Out for Name Confusion
Some veterans charities include the same words in different order or slightly different form. So, be alert and make sure the organization you are considering is the one you want to support.
Find Out What They Do
Don’t assume what the veterans organization does based on their name alone. Look for a clear description of the organization’s programs in its appeals and on its website.
Be Cautious with Phone Appeals
If not managed properly, some telemarketing campaigns for veterans organizations can be an expensive means of raising funds, especially if the charity is making “cold calls” to people who have not donated previously. Don’t be pressured to make an immediate gift, accountable charities will welcome your donation whenever you want to send it.
Ask How Donated Items Will Be Used
Find out how the charity benefits from the collection and resale of used clothing, cars, and other in-kind donations. Sometimes the charity receives only a small portion of the resale price of the item or may have a contractual arrangement with a third-party to get a flat fee for each sale.
Check Give.org
In addition to charity reports on BBB’s Give.org, check with your state government’s charity registration agency, usually a division of either the Attorney General’s office or Secretary of State’s office. In Canada, check with the Canada Revenue Agency.
For more giving advice and to access a list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., meets all 20 BBB Charity Standards) that address veterans and military service issues, see the following link.
Heart of Giving Podcast
This week’s Heart of Giving Podcast features a discussion with Tonyel Edwards, Partner, The Bridgespan Group and Aria Florant Co-Founder & CEO, Liberation Ventures.
Recent Reports
We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:
Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one..png?sfvrsn=2d943eb8_0)
