How To Donate A Car To Make A Wish Foundation

How To Donate A Car To Make A Wish Foundation

How To Transfer Car Ownership to a Friend as a Gift:

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit organization that grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses. Their mission is to bring hope, strength, and joy to these children by fulfilling a special wish they have always dreamed of, whether it is meeting a celebrity, going on a special trip, or receiving a specific gift.

The foundation operates in many countries around the world and relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and volunteers to carry out its work. The wishes can be life-changing experiences for the children, offering them a sense of normalcy, happiness, and hope during difficult times.

Donating a car to the Make-A-Wish Foundation is a meaningful way to support children with critical illnesses and bring joy to their lives. When you donate your car, you are helping to fund the foundation’s mission of granting life-changing wishes to children around the world. Your car donation can make a real difference, providing the necessary funds to create memorable experiences that bring hope and happiness to children who need it most.

The process of donating a car to Make-A-Wish is simple and incredibly rewarding. You do not need to worry about the condition of your car, as the foundation accepts vehicles of all types, including those that are no longer running. Whether it is a car, truck, motorcycle, or even a boat, your vehicle can become the key to making a child’s dream come true.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps involved in donating your car to Make-A-Wish Foundation. From understanding the benefits of donation to the documents and tax advantages, it will cover everything you need to know. By donating your car, you are not only helping to grant a wish, but you are also making a lasting impact on a child’s life.

Why Donate Your Car to Make-A-Wish Foundation

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is known for granting wishes to children facing life-threatening medical conditions. By donating a car, you provide the funds needed to make these wishes a reality. Whether a child dreams of meeting a favorite celebrity, going on a special trip, or receiving a unique gift, your car donation helps make that wish come true.

Not only does it make a profound impact on a child’s life, but it also brings hope and happiness to their families during challenging times. Additionally, donating a car to the Make-A-Wish Foundation is a great way to support the foundation while benefiting from tax deductions. The foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning that your donation is tax-deductible.

Documents Needed In Donating Your Car To Make A Wish Foundation

There are certain documents and information you will need to have in hand to ensure a smooth and legal donation. Below is a list of the essential documents required when donating your car to the Make-A-Wish Foundation:

Vehicle Title (Proof of Ownership):

• The vehicle title is the most important document you need to provide. It proves that you legally own the car and have the right to donate it.
• Make sure your name is listed on the title, and it is free of any liens (loans or claims against the car).
• If you have lost the title, you can request a duplicate title from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):

• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code that identifies your car.
• It is usually found on the dashboard near the windshield or inside the driver’s side door frame on a label.
• Make sure you have this number ready when donating the vehicle, as it’s required for registration and record-keeping.

Odometer Disclosure Statement (If Applicable):

• In many states, you are required to provide an odometer disclosure statement.
• This statement indicates the vehicle’s mileage at the time of the donation.
• Some states may have specific forms to complete for this, or it may be included on the title or bill of sale.
• Check your state’s requirements to ensure compliance.

Proof of Insurance (Optional):

• While it is not always required to donate a car, proof of insurance may be requested in certain cases, especially if the car is still under an active insurance policy.
• If you have insurance coverage, you may need to notify your insurance company of the car’s donation and cancel the policy once the donation is complete.

Bill of Sale (Optional):

A bill of sale is a document that records the transfer of ownership from you to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or its partner organization. This is often optional, but it is a good idea to have one for your records, as it shows that you no longer own the vehicle. The bill of sale typically includes:

• The buyer’s name (Make-A-Wish or the partner organization)
• The vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN
• The date of the transfer

Some donation programs may provide a bill of sale for you, or you can easily find a template online.

IRS Form 1098-C (If Applicable):

• If the car is sold by the Make-A-Wish Foundation for more than $500, you will receive IRS Form 1098-C, which reports the sale of the donated vehicle.
• This form is required for tax purposes and will help you claim your tax deduction.
• The form will detail the sale price and provide important information on how to report the donation when filing taxes.

Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer (State-Specific):

• In some states, you may need to complete an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer form.
• This form documents that the vehicle is being donated as a gift rather than being sold.
• The specific form will depend on your state’s requirements and may be available through your local DMV or on the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s donation page.

Tax Deduction Documents (For Record Keeping):

• Once your car is donated, keep any documentation related to your donation for tax purposes.
• This includes the receipt of donation you receive from Make-A-Wish or the third-party donation service, as well as any other forms provided, such as IRS Form 1098-C.
• These documents are necessary for claiming a tax deduction on your income tax return.

How To Donate A Car To Make A Wish Foundation

The process below are the steps to Donate to Make A Wish Foundation:

Check the Condition of Your Car:

• The Make-A-Wish Foundation accepts cars in all conditions, whether running or not. You do not need to worry about making repairs or fixing any issues before donating your car.
• The foundation will work with partners who handle the towing and auction of the vehicle, and the proceeds will go toward granting wishes. Even if your car is no longer in driving condition, it still holds value for the foundation.

Gather Necessary Information:

Before you begin the donation process, you’ll need a few details about your car, including:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Make, model, and year of the car
• Title of ownership
• Current mileage (if applicable)

If you do not have the title of the car, contact your local DMV to find out how to obtain a replacement. The title is important as it proves you are the rightful owner of the car and are legally allowed to donate it.

Contact Make-A-Wish Foundation:

The next step is to reach out to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to initiate the donation process. You can do this in various ways:

• Visit the Make-A-Wish car donation page on their website.
• Call their car donation hotline for more details and instructions.
• Use the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s online donation platform to submit your vehicle information.

Make-A-Wish often partners with organizations like Charity Motors or Vehicles for Charity, which handle the logistics of accepting your car donation and auctioning it off to raise funds for the foundation. These organizations will take care of towing the car at no cost to you.

Schedule a Pick-Up:

• Once your donation details are confirmed, you will schedule a pick-up time for your car.
• Most car donation programs offer free towing, which means you do not need to worry about how to get the car to a donation center.
• The towing company will arrive at your location, pick up the car, and take it to a donation center or auction site.

Receive Your Tax Deduction Receipt:

After the car is sold or auctioned, the Make-A-Wish Foundation will send you a receipt for your donation.

• This is an important document, as it allows you to claim a tax deduction for the fair market value of the car.
• The amount you can deduct depends on how the car is sold.
• If it is sold for more than $500, you can deduct the full sale amount.
• If the car is sold for less, you can still claim a deduction based on the fair market value.

The IRS Form 1098-C will be issued if the car is sold for more than $500, and this form is required when filing your taxes. Be sure to keep this document in your records.

Enjoy the Benefits of Your Donation:

• By donating your car to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, you are not just clearing space in your garage; you are helping to grant wishes for children facing life-threatening illnesses. It is a simple yet powerful way to make a lasting impact on a child’s life and brighten their future.

Make-A-Wish Foundation of America is an Arizona nonprofit corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Identification Number (EIN): 86-0481941

How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?

• They make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. Most pickups can be scheduled within 24 to 72 hours.

What can I claim as a deduction? | How To Donate A Car To Make A Wish Foundation

• According to the tax law effective January 1, 2005, if the claimed value of the donated vehicle exceeds $500, the taxpayer is limited to the gross proceeds of the sale. An IRS Form 1098-C, “Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes” will be mailed to you within 30 days of the sale stating the amount of gross proceeds received from your car, provided your vehicle sold for more than $500 and you have submitted your social security number. This will be your tax receipt for your charitable contribution.

Contact Details of Make-A-Wish

You can contact:

• Jessica Rivera,
• Community Development Coordinator, at
• (954) 967-9474 ext.
• 321 or jrivera@sflawish.org.

Donating a car to the Make-A-Wish Foundation is a fantastic way to support a cause that brings joy and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily turn your old car into a gift that makes a lasting difference. Whether your car is running or not, your donation helps fund wishes that change lives. Visit the Official Website Of Make-A-Wish Foundation For More Details

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