Guidelines for Accepting or Declining a Vehicle Donation

Zoning regulations and property covenants can prohibit short- or long-term storage of vehicles, whether in good running condition or not. Size and weight limits on local roads and side streets might preclude larger vehicles, such as buses or trucks, even though those are the ones which would be of greatest benefit to the organization. Registration and title requirements can be more expensive than the value of the vehicle. Even if the vehicle is to be sold in a fundraiser, potential liability due to used vehicle lemon laws might make it sensible to refuse acceptance of a donation.

Solicit the vehicles that would be most useful to your organization. If your organization is a church, day child care or adult day activity program, a van or bus would be extremely attractive. Wheelchair ramp and lift equipped vans, buses and mini vans can be a godsend if your organization serves people with disabilities. Passenger cars can be useful to establish a meal delivery service to seniors and shut-ins. They can also be used between sites, to get workers to areas of greatest need, and for emergency pickup of program participants if a member of a large group has a problem on an outing.

Donations of new vehicles for fundraising purposes can pose problems if not handled correctly. It is best to have the donor keep the vehicle on the premises of his own business until all tickets are sold and a winner is declared. This helps the receiving organization avoid problems if the vehicle is damaged. It also avoids the need to title and register the vehicle in your organization's name, only to turn around and retitle it after the winner takes delivery of the vehicle. Discuss the benefits of receiving the vehicle, as well as the drawbacks. Make a list of all the expenses that will be incurred by receiving, storing, using and selling the vehicle. Make certain that the expenses will not outweigh the potential benefit to your organization.

Encourage donors to create funds for ongoing maintenance costs. Allow them to make small cash donations toward insurance, gasoline and storage fees. Solicit donations of parking spaces in garages and lots for long-term storage of fleet vehicles. Accepting a vehicle donation may inject new life into your organization. Having a reliable vehicle to transport individuals to and from your location allows the organization to provide services to many more people in need. When the donation includes funds for title, registration and insurance, the vehicle is even more of an asset.

Once your organization accepts vehicle donations, it is possible to sell parts, charge for rides, and even take program participants to events. Vehicles that are too old or require too much maintenance can be used in demolition derbies. Many organizations also sell chances to take a sledge hammer to a wrecked vehicle, then sell what is left afterward for scrap. For best results when accepting a vehicle donation, discuss all issues ahead of time. Make a list of features a vehicle would need in order to be of greatest use to your organization. Actively solicit vehicles with those features. Network with local mechanics, service centers and auto dealers in order to get the most useful vehicle for your needs. Be sure to provide in-kind publicity for those donors who consistently try to meet your organization's needs.