Free Charity Cars Program - get a free vehicle from FCC.
Since 1996, Free Charity Cars (also known as The Original 1‑800‑Charity Cars, Charity Cars, Inc.) has been on a mission to help people facing transportation barriers that need a car for work. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, FCC provides completely free donated vehicles to struggling individuals and families across all 50 states. A focus is on given a car or truck to veterans, survivors of domestic violence, single moms, and families transitioning off public assistance. Find details below on the Free Charity Car organization and how to apply for a vehicle.
What the program does and who it helps
FCC collects donations of vehicles in any condition and they accept cars, motorcycles or trucks from businesses, individuals or anyone that wants to give. Vehicles that can be used by people in need (in other words that meet quality criteria) become “program eligible vehicles”. Those are distributed directly to approved recipients, free of charge . Others are auctioned off by the Free Charity Car organization, with sale proceeds pay for repairs or future vehicle donations. FCC operates a nationwide distribution network of local affiliated and partners, such as a community action agency that offers local help . The goal is on making vehicles available in every U.S. state . They can even provide the occasional free car, truck or SUV in Alaska or Hawaii. They do not maintain a vehicle inventory; instead, when a car is donated in a specific region or state applicants that help getting a car in that area are reviewed. This model enables local access while still allowing FCC to operate on a national scale. Recipients of these vehicle include many categories of need. A car can be giveaway to low-income working families, veterans, people recovering from abuse or natural disasters, single moms or dads, and those living in transitional shelters that need transportation for work reasons. They also try to help veterans get a vehicle for work . FCC also partners with other nonprofits and occasionally provides vehicles for organizational use, which may be say providing a car to a local Meals on Wheels service for the homebound to get food.
Applying to the Free Charity Cars program
While the organization has, on average, given away hundreds of free vehicles per year of course the number of requests greatly exceed supply - what the charity can do. That being said, applicants begin by creating a free account and submitting an online vehicle request form on FCC’s distribution portal ( freecharitycars.org ). It is free to apply , however it does require basic personal and household information, income level (must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level), and a valid driver’s license. Applicants also describe their need and may specify requirements like automatic transmission (which of course are even rarer) or handicap accessibility. Once submitted, applications remain under review until approved or rejected. For those that can proceed, FCC will hold the request until a suitable vehicle becomes available in the applicant’s region. Again, the non-profit is very limited (as of course any car giveaway organization is) so it takes time - must applicants will not be fulfilled. FCC typically processes applications in the order received. Applying to FCC might be right for you if the following are true. If you’re based in the U.S., are 18 or older, have a valid driver’s license, and meet the income and need criteria, FCC may be a promising resource. You need reliable transportation to maintain or find employment. You serve as a primary family caregiver with limited transit access. You are recovering from domestic violence, homelessness, or medical challenges. You cannot afford vehicle purchase or repairs. It is not a replacement for immediate emergency transportation or to fix your existing car. FCC does not guarantee when, or even if, vehicle will become available, success stories attest to lives changed through transportation. In fact, media profiles on publications (and sites) like Oprah, Good Morning America, People Magazine, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, and others have highlighted Free Charity Cars impact and their partnerships, such as with Goodwill transportation services , also shows the ability to give back. Note that FCC does want people to share their story and can sometimes give priority to those applicants . As it can help to share your personal story on social media or through community networks to encourage local donations to Free Charity Cars.
If application approved and a vehicle is available from Free Charity Cars
If selected, FCC staff contacts the applicant . A combination of email and/or phone call is used. Applicants must respond within 1-2 days or they may forfeit the award. Again, we can’t stress enough, most people will not hear back due to demand for a free car greatly exceeded supply available. Recipients are responsible for many (if not all) of the costs of keeping the car drivable . This includes, but is not limited too, fees associated with title, registration, auto insurance, any local or state property tax, and subsequent vehicle maintenance. FCC does not provide financial assistance to help pay for those expenses, nor for repairs to a recipient’s existing vehicle.
Why FCC’s work of giving out autos matters and makes a difference
Access to reliable transportation is a barrier for many struggling people . Some type of car, no matter the age or condition, can be life‑changing for most lower income households Without a car, many families struggle to commute to jobs, access childcare, attend medical appointments, or pursue education or a job training program. It goes without saying that receiving a vehicle often leads to a renewed sense of self‑esteem, financial independence as it opens up the door for newer or better jobs, and expanded opportunity.
Final thoughts on the need for a car
For many struggling households and individuals, Free Charity Cars offers not some form transportation (even if a basic, used auto), but newfound independence. While awards depend on donor generosity and geographic timing, the program’s past impact of tens of millions of dollars in vehicles given away shows it impact. At NeedHelpPayingBills.com, we recognize that overcoming transportation difficulty can dramatically improve your ability to work, learn, and care for your loved ones. The cost of a car for many people, no to mention lower-income income families, is often a struggle. FCC’s free car program may be worth your time explore. If you’d like help navigating the application or eligibility requirements, feel free to ask our team at .