FAQ
What happens to my donated vehicle?
Our primary objective is to refurbish donated vehicles into safe, reliable transportation for our neighbors in need. Unlike many car donation programs that merely sell donated vehicles at auction, Momentum Garage prioritizes direct distribution to recipients. Our team evaluates each vehicle to ensure it can be safe and reliable for at least two years, investing in reasonable repairs as needed.
If repairs exceed our budget (e.g., costs outweigh the vehicle’s value), we may sell it to fund our operations. For vehicles worth $5,000 or more, we carefully decide whether to refurbish them for a recipient or sell them to support multiple neighbors.
Why donate my vehicle instead of selling it?
Donating your vehicle to Momentum Garage gives it a second life, directly improving mobility for someone in your Community. Your gift helps neighbors access jobs, education, and essential services. Plus, your donation is tax-deductible, potentially offering significant tax savings based on the vehicle’s fair market value.
Can I donate a vehicle that doesn’t run?
Yes, we accept all vehicles, running or not. We’ll arrange free pickup for non-operational vehicles.
Why choose Momentum Garage over other car donation programs?
Most programs auction off their donated vehicles to fund operations. We refurbish vehicles for reliability and place them directly with vetted Community members. Your donation creates a tangible, local impact, empowering your neighbors with mobility.
Who qualifies to receive a vehicle?
Momentum Garage relies on local churches and community organizations to vet and refer potential recipients, ensuring fairness and Community-driven impact. Our ideal recipients are employed, have a permanent place of residence, and currently drive an insured vehicle, which demonstrates their ability to maintain and insure the donated car.
If you’re facing transportation challenges, please reach out to a local church, community center, or nonprofit (such as your parish, United Way, or community action agency) for a referral to our program.
What are the tax benefits of donating my vehicle, and how can I claim the fair market value?
Vehicle donations to Momentum Garage are tax-deductible. Unlike many charities limited to auction sale proceeds, our refurbishment process may allow you to deduct the full fair market value, as we improve vehicles or provide them at below-market value - as permitted by IRS regulations.
For vehicles valued over $5,000, a qualified appraisal is required to claim the fair market value. We’ll handle all that AND cover the cost!
Always consult a tax professional to determine your deduction, and refer to IRS Publication 561, “Determining the Value of Donated Property,” for guidance.
How do I determine my vehicle’s fair market value?
We can help you estimate your vehicle’s value using trusted online tools like NADA (nadaguides.com), Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), and/or Edmunds (edmunds.com). We’ll send you the report and the receipts you will need to file your deduction.
Can I donate cash to Momentum Garage?
Absolutely! Cash donations help us maintain our shop, repair vehicles, and support our mission. To donate and join us in our mission, click here or reach out to discuss other giving options.