Donating your car is a generous act, but we acknowledge that skepticism is natural. How does the process work? What happens to your vehicle? At Ride for Good, we prioritize transparency and accountability, showing you each step in the donation process.
This page outlines the journey your car takes from pickup to the receipt you’ll use for your taxes, ensuring you fully understand how your donation supports our mission. We believe that informed donors are empowered donors.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Ride for Good is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Donors may claim deductions based on actual sale price or FMV values as per IRS guidelines.
- We provide tax receipts via IRS Form 1098-C within 30 days post-sale.
- Vehicles are sold at auction or may be used directly for charitable programs.
- Donors can verify our charity status through the IRS pub78 database.
- We maintain transparency through our Form 990, accessible for public viewing.
How it works, step by step
Pickup
On Day 0, our team will contact you to schedule a convenient pickup time for your vehicle donation. We handle all logistics, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Transport to Auction Lot
After pickup, typically within 0-5 days, your vehicle is transported to our secured auction lot, ready for inspection and evaluation for its next steps.
Inspection + Title Verification
During Days 3-10, our team inspects the vehicle and verifies the title to ensure everything is in order, preparing it for auction or direct use in our programs.
Auction Listing
Your vehicle is listed for auction between Days 7-21. This process includes creating an attractive listing to maximize bids and ensure we get the best price possible.
Sale
The auction sale typically occurs between Days 14-45. We aim to secure the best possible offer for your vehicle, translating into greater funding for our programs.
Proceeds Distribution
Following the sale, funds are allocated for our charitable programs within 30-60 days, ensuring your donation directly contributes to our mission of community support.
1098-C Receipt Mailed
You’ll receive your IRS Form 1098-C within 30-60 days or within 30 days of the sale, which you can use to claim your tax deduction.
Verify it yourself
✓ Verify IRS Charity Status
How: Check our status on the IRS pub78 database to confirm our registration as a qualified 501(c)(3) charity and ensure your donation is tax-deductible.
✓ Review Form 990
How: Access our Form 990 filings, which detail our annual financial performance and operational transparency, available on platforms like GuideStar or the IRS.
✓ Consult Charity Navigator
How: Look up Ride for Good on Charity Navigator to see ratings and reviews, confirming our accountability and transparency in handling donations.
✓ Contact the Kentucky Attorney General
How: Reach out to the Kentucky Attorney General's office to report or inquire about any issues related to charitable organizations, ensuring local oversight.
✓ Better Business Bureau Rating
How: Search for Ride for Good on the Better Business Bureau website for information about our business practices and overall trustworthiness.
Real impact, real numbers
Each vehicle donation helps us provide essential assistance to our community. For example, last year, we raised over $100,000 from donated vehicles, funding transportation for 1,500 families in need. Your contributions help us deliver vital services, ensuring those less fortunate have access to reliable transportation and support.
Kentucky oversight
In Kentucky, Ride for Good is certified and overseen by the state’s charity registrar, ensuring compliance with local regulations. If you ever have concerns, you can file a complaint with the Kentucky Attorney General’s office, which oversees charity conduct. Additionally, local consumer protection resources are available to assist you in making informed decisions about your charitable contributions.