We recognize that trusting a charity with your vehicle donation can be daunting. It’s natural to wonder where your contribution ends up and how it translates into real-world impact. At Ride for Good, we are dedicated to offering complete transparency in our process so that you can feel confident that your donation helps those who need it most.
This page outlines the journey of your vehicle, from auction sale to the programs funded by our partner nonprofits. We will break down the financials and demonstrate that a significant portion of proceeds directly supports impactful initiatives, ensuring that your generosity serves the community effectively.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Ride for Good is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) public charity.
- 70-80% of gross auction sale proceeds reach our partner nonprofits.
- Typical processing fees include towing, storage, and auction costs.
- The program-expense ratio of our partners generally ranges around 75%.
- Your vehicle sale can directly fund essential services like meals and shelter.
- Donations are tracked and are publicly accessible via IRS Form 990.
How it works, step by step
Vehicle Donation
When you donate your vehicle, we arrange for free towing and take care of all associated paperwork, making the process as seamless as possible.
Auction Sale
Upon receiving your vehicle, we auction it off, and the proceeds from the sale are calculated after deducting towing, storage, and processing fees.
Net Proceeds Calculation
After expenses, the net proceeds are determined. For example, a $1,500 vehicle might yield $1,050 to $1,200 for our partner nonprofit.
Funds Allocation
The partner nonprofit then allocates these funds based on their program-expense ratio, ensuring that a significant portion directly funds essential community programs.
Impact Measurement
Finally, we measure the impact of these funds in terms of tangible outputs, such as meals served or shelter nights provided.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Public Charity Status
How: You can verify our 501(c)(3) status via the IRS pub78 tool, where you can see our legitimacy as a tax-exempt organization.
✓ Charity Ratings
How: Visit Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau to view our ratings and check our transparency and accountability metrics.
✓ State Registration
How: Check with the Kentucky Attorney General’s office for our charity registration and any filed complaints, ensuring we are compliant with state laws.
✓ Financial Transparency
How: Access our Form 990 through GuideStar to review our financials, including revenue, expenses, and program investment ratios.
Real impact, real numbers
To illustrate the difference your donation can make, consider this: A vehicle sold for $1,500 might yield between $1,050 and $1,200 for our partner nonprofit, which typically maintains a program ratio of around 75%. This translates into approximately $790 to $900 allocated for direct community programs. For instance, this funding can provide over 300 meals through our food bank partner or offer 10 to 15 shelter nights at a local housing partner, demonstrating the tangible impacts of your generosity.
Kentucky oversight
In Kentucky, we uphold a commitment to accountability and transparency as mandated by state regulations. The Kentucky Attorney General oversees charitable organizations, and you can file complaints if you feel your experience was less than satisfactory. Additionally, local consumer protection resources are available for any concerns, ensuring that charitable giving in our state is secure and responsible.