Daniel, a 9-year-old student, holds his new UNICEF backpack. He goes to a UNICEF-supported school in Maroua, a town in northern Cameroon.

Donate a Car to UNICEF USA

Donating your vehicle to UNICEF USA can help deliver the essentials every child needs for a healthy, happy and hopeful childhoodd

UNICEF has helped save and meaningfully improve more children’s lives than any other nonprofit organization. When you donate your car to UNICEF USA, your charitable contribution helps make those lifesaving and life-changing efforts possible. 

Vehicle donations to UNICEF USA help give children the essentials needed for an equitable chance in life. You will also receive a tax deduction for your car donation while supporting UNICEF's work and knowing you made a difference. 

The best part? UNICEF USA's car donation program ensures that the majority of your used vehicle's value — generally 80 percent of gross dollars raised — actually goes to charity. That is more than most other charities that accept car donations online.  

USA Today and Forbes recommend UNICEF USA as one of the top car donation charities. 

How to Donate Your Car  

UNICEF USA makes donating a vehicle to charity rewarding and easy. Advanced Remarketing Services, UNICEF USA's agent for processing vehicle donations, breaks your online donation down into three easy steps.

Provide Vehicle Information

Fill out the donation form with information about your vehicle, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model, condition, and mileage.

Schedule a free car pick up

A towing company will call within two to three business days to arrange a time to pick up your car and place at no charge to you.  

Get Tax Receipt

After you complete the donation form, you will get a written email acknowledgement. You will also receive access to your donor dashboard, where you can upload documents and track your vehicle donation. Once UNICEF USA sells the car, you will get a receipt for filing your taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I donate my car to UNICEF?

  • UNICEF USA offers the best car donation program for helping children stay healthy, educated, respected and protected. The UNICEF USA car donation program helps uphold children's rights and funds the lifesaving essentials they need to survive and thrive 
  • You pay nothing to donate your car to UNICEF USA  
  • The process is streamlined and efficient. Just fill out a form, and UNICEF USA takes care of the rest, including ensuring you receive the tax benefits of your generous donation
  • UNICEF USA is a trusted 501(c)3 nonprofit with the highest ratings for transparency, accountability and administration by Charity Navigator

What types of vehicles can I donate?

UNICEF USA accepts running and non-running car donations and motorized vehicles. We accept trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, heavy machinery, boats, trailers, planes, and RVs on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions about a vehicle you'd like to donate, call (855) 487-3863.

What is the best charity to donate a car to? 

The best charity is one with a mission that's meaningful to you. But not every charitable or non-profit organization qualifies for charitable contribution deductions or accepts car donations. Those that do don't always make the process as straightforward as it should be. 

The third parties that run many charity car donation programs charge hefty fees. After subtracting the fees from your car's selling price, little actually goes to the charity itself. The tricky part is finding a legitimate charity that qualifies for a charitable contribution deduction, has a mission you believe in, and uses its donations efficiently.

USA Today and Forbes  recommend UNICEF USA as one of the top car donation charities. When you give your car to UNICEF USA, UNICEF receives more than other car donation programs provide. UNICEF USA’s car donation agent, Advanced Remarketing Services’ Car Donation Wizard, consistently gives between 75 and 80 percent of the gross selling price to UNICEF USA. 

Where can I donate a car? 

UNICEF USA’s car donation program uses a network of local tow agents to pick up car donations. That means no matter where you live, you can donate your car.   

And instead of giving away a car that no longer runs, you can put it to good use. Simply fill out the car donation form. A local tow company will contact you in two-to three business days to pick up the car. 

What is the cost to me? Who pays any towing charges? 

There are no costs to you. Towing is free.

How much money from my car donation will go back to UNICEF USA?

UNICEF USA receives between 75 and 80 percent of the car's gross selling price, the highest of any vehicle donation program.

What if my car no longer runs? 

If your vehicle is in one piece, it doesn’t have to run. But, the car's tires must be inflated for towing. 

In rare cases, UNICEF USA cannot accept a vehicle donation. If the costs of transport and processing fees exceed the vehicle's auction value, then the donation can't proceed.

Who transfers the car's title? Are there any liability issues?

UNICEF USA uses a fully licensed and insured national transportation network that complies with all federal and state regulations. You will sign your car's title over to UNICEF USA’s authorized agent for processing vehicle donations, Advanced Remarketing Services. Then, once the tow company picks up your car, your legal responsibility for the car ends.  

Can you donate a car without a title? 

That depends on where you wish to donate a car. Most states require a clear title to the vehicle. If you don’t have the car’s certificate of title, UNICEF USA can help with that and other questions. Call: (855) 487-3863.

What happens to the car after it's picked up? ​​

UNICEF USA's car donation agent sells your vehicle through a national transportation network of auctions and direct buyers. Once the vehicle has sold, you will receive an acknowledgment letter providing your vehicle sale information.

How is the value of the donated car determined for tax purposes? 

UNICEF USA does not determine the fair market value of the car you wish to donate. The "Blue Book" or "Guide Book" value of your vehicle establishes the fair market value. 

For more information on establishing a car's sale price, check out  Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA Guides. If the car is worth $5,000 or more, an independent written appraisal may be necessary. 

How much of a tax deduction for donating a car can I expect? 

If you itemize deductions on your tax return, you may be able to deduct your UNICEF car donation. If your car sells for more than $500, you may deduct the car's full sale price. If your car sells for $500 or under, you can deduct $500 or your car's fair market value, whichever is less

How do I claim a tax deduction for donating a car?

Within 30 days of the sale of your vehicle, you will receive an email with a tax receipt that states:

  • Your car's gross sale price if over $500
  • Vehicle year, make, model and VIN
  • Written proof that the vehicle sale was an arms-length transaction between two unrelated parties
  • A statement that you did not receive any goods or services in return for your donation.

Always consult your tax adviser or the IRS for more information about how you can claim charitable deductions. IRS materials are accessible at www.irs.gov and by calling (800) 829-3676.

For more answers to your car donation questions, view our full FAQ page or call us at (855) 487-3863.

Ready to change and save lives?

For any questions, call ARS Car Donation Wizard at +1 (855) 487-3863

Daniel, a 9-year-old student, holds his new UNICEF backpack. He goes to a UNICEF-supported school in Maroua, a town in northern Cameroon. © UNICEF/UN0429224/Dejongh