How to Donate Cars to Schools for Training

By Abby Hall

Overview

Schools often rely on donations and funds from private individuals to keep many of their specialized programs afloat. This is true for auto mechanics and auto body programs at most schools since they not only require vehicles to work on but the equipment needed to repair them. You can make a significant contribution to programs such as these by learning how to donate cars to schools for training.

Step 1

Find a program that has 501(c)(3) status that will accept them. Most schools with automotive programs will accept cars donated to them since they provide students with the opportunity to learn through hands-on experience. However, it is important that you find a program that has 501(c)(3) status so the donation can be written off as a tax deduction.
Step 2

Complete a transfer of title. States require that you transfer the title of the car from you to the school you are donating your vehicle to. You will also need to complete a form that certifies the vehicle is a donation or gift to the institution when transferring the title. Everything you need to complete this step can be found through your state's department of motor vehicles.

Step 3

Remove your license plates. Before leaving the car at the school or having the school pick up your car, you should remove the license plates. This ensures that you aren't liable for anything associated with the car once the title has been transferred to the school as your plates are no longer on the car.
Step 4

Receive written acknowledgment of your donation from the school. After you've donated your car you should receive a letter that acknowledges the donation of your car. This should contain information such as the date of your donation, the type of vehicle you donated and the fair market value of your car.
Step 5

Deduct your donation from your taxes. Make sure to keep the letter of acknowledgment from the school in your files until it is time to do your taxes. Then you can put in the fair market value of the car as stated in your letter as a tax deduction.

Skill: Moderately Easy
Tip: If you have questions about donating your vehicle to a school, you can contact the school's development or gifts office, as they handle donations on a routine basis and can guide you through the process.
Warning:
A car or vehicle worth more than $5,000 must be appraised by a qualified appraiser before it can be donated. You should a written appraisal and keep it for your records.

More Essortment Articles