Your car isn’t just a vehicle. It’s where life unfolded. It carried laughter on family road trips, teenager driving lessons, quiet moments on late-night drives and memories you’ll never forget. We know saying goodbye is more than handing over keys. It’s closing a chapter.
When you donate your car, truck, boat, RV, or other vehicle to St Francis Neighborhood Center, you give those memories new meaning. Your gift helps build safe, affordable homes for families and protects the environment by recycling your vehicle responsibly. Learn how to donate your car or vehicle below:
What information do I need to donate my car?
Here are some basic things you should be prepared to know and provide for the donation:
- Donor Information: Company/Name/Address/Phone number/email address
- Valid vehicle title, free of liens
- Year, make and model
- VIN
- Body type
- Mileage
- Condition
- Date the vehicle was last driven
- Bill of Sale/Donation with approximate cost, notarized if the value is over $500
What kinds of vehicles can be donated?
We accept almost all vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats, trailers and snowmobiles. If you want to donate any other type of unique vehicle, please start by reaching out via phone.
Please note: We review each donation to ensure it benefits St. Francis Neighborhood Center. If transportation and processing costs exceed the vehicle’s value, we may decline the donation to avoid a financial loss. This decision is based solely on economic factors - not on donor location or willingness to give – and helps us responsibly manage resources.
Are non-running vehicles accepted?
Yes! Your vehicle donation does not have to be running, but it must be whole and have four inflated tires so it can be moved by our towing operators. An additional donation towards the towing is appreciated.
Are there tax benefits to donating my vehicle? How much can I deduct?
Once your vehicle is sold, the selling price determines the amount of your donation. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you may deduct the full selling price. If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, you can deduct the “fair market value” of your vehicle, up to $500.
What documentation will I receive for my tax return?
Within 30 days of the sale of your vehicle, SFNC will send you a written acknowledgement/receipt. This receipt will include:
- The gross selling price of the vehicle, if it sold for greater than $500.
- Year, make, model and vehicle identification number information.
- A statement that the vehicle was sold at arms-length between two unrelated parties.
- A statement that no goods or services were received in return for your contribution.
How do I figure out the fair market value of my car?
The following websites can help you calculate your vehicle’s fair market value.
Thank you for considering a vehicle donation. Want to make an additional impact? Your monthly gift works all year long to help cultivate community in West Baltimore.
