How to Donate a Car in Southern California

By Andrew Smith

  • Overview

    Donating your car to a charitable or non-profit organization in Southern California can benefit both you and the organization of your choice. The proceeds from your donation could offer assistance to needy and abandoned children, provide funding for an animal shelter or support public radio. You will also receive a tax deduction for your donation. This deduction could be equal to or even greater than what you would receive if you sold or traded in the vehicle. Here is how you can donate a car in Southern California.

    • Step 1

      Find the keys and title to the car you want to donate to a charity or non-profit organization in Southern California. You will need to give both of these things to the organization when you donate your car.

    • Step 2

      Give your car to the Southern California Foster Family and Adoption Agency. This non-profit organization cares for children who have been abandoned, orphaned and abused. SCFFAA also works to find homes for these kids. All vehicle donations to SCFFAA go through The Vehicle Donation Processing Center, a company that will pick your car up within a week of contacting the company. The company will also do all of the paperwork for you and give you a receipt once you have completed the donation process. For more information, call (800) 320-0476. You can also contact the Southern California Foster Family and Adoption Agency at (213) 365-2900.

    • Step 3

      Support Southern California Public Radio with a car donation. KPCC 89.3 FM broadcasts national programming such as NPR and BBC World News as well as local shows, such as "The California Report." Your car will be picked up at your convenience and at no cost to you. All donations to Southern California Public Radio are tax deductible. For more information, call (877) 572-2227 or (626) 585-7000.

    • Step 4

      Donate your car to Goodwill Southern California. Goodwill Southern California provides job training and placement to individuals with disabilities as well as to people who are having difficulties finding work in the region. The organization also runs numerous thrift stores throughout the area. When you donate your car to Goodwill Southern California, all of the necessary paperwork will be processed for you. Your car will be picked up for free and you will receive a letter for tax purposes once your vehicle has been sold at auction. To donate your car to Goodwill Southern California, call (323) 223-1211 or (800) 898-8285.

    • Step 5

      Contact Pet Orphans of Southern California. Pet Orphans of Southern California rescues and cares for abandoned, neglected and orphaned pets throughout the area. The organization also provides health care for pets and runs a shelter for animals. All donations to Pet Orphans of Souther California are handled by the National Charity Support Foundation. NCSF will process all of the necessary paperwork and pick your car up whenever and wherever you like. To donate to Pet Orphans of Southern California, call (877) 980-2277 or (818) 901-0190.
    • Skill: Easy
    • Ingredients:
    • Title and keys
    • Tip: Contact a tax advisor before you call the charity or organization. This individual can help you during the process to make sure that you receive the largest tax deduction allotted by the law.
    • Tip: You will not have to complete any paperwork before you contact an organization. When you do call, the charity or organization will tell you how to transfer the title of the vehicle over to the company. The organization will go over this step by step with you and then process any other necessary paperwork, making the process hassle free for you.
    • Warning:
    • Only donate your car to a Southern California charity or organization that is recognized by the IRS. Otherwise, you will not receive a tax deduction when you donate your car. All of the organizations listed above are recognized by the IRS. If you have any questions about a different charitable or non-profit organization, contact your local DMV office.

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