Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in Free Charity Cars. Here are the most common questions we have been asked in the past. If you did not find an answer and need more assistance, please go to our Contact page and let us let us know how we can help.
Charity Cars, Inc. is a 501-C-3 non-profit charity. Federal EIN 59-3362703. Visit the “Who We Are” page for more details. (DBA 1-800-Charity Cars, Free Charity Cars)
Unfortunately, we have limited staff and cannot call members or receive calls from members. Please read this FAQ page thoroughly.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should anyone call our offices regarding problems with this website, report a member, inquire about receiving a vehicle, or apply for an FCC position. Such calls to our office will result in the deletion of the member’s account. Please use the report bug link on the bottom of each page to report website problems and use the contact us page for other appropriate inquiries. Thank you so much for being so cooperative.
“Reality,” observed comedian Robin Williams, “what a concept!” Yes, FCC has been awarding free vehicles to America’s struggling families since 1996 and has enjoyed an avalanche of local and national publicity, including being featured on Oprah, Montel Williams, Good Morning America, CBS Morning News, and Two Guys Garage. Articles about the program have appeared in many publications, including People Magazine, Women’s World Magazine, Motor Trend, The Non-Profit Times, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Our organization is honored to be a past winner of the prestigious Walt Disney World Outstanding Community Service Award among its many awards.
We award vehicles nationwide throughout all of the United States Of America, including Hawaii and Alaska.
Yes, we will do our best to award vehicles to members that previously applied to the old Free Charity Cars website. But, it is essential to reapply on the new site.
Unfortunately with the downturn in the economy FCC can no longer help recipients with these fees. The recipient will be responsible for all fees as well as maintaining insurance and vehicle maintenance/upkeep.
No. The majority of the over 9,000 cars we have given away thus far have not been awarded at public events.
FCC does not receive cars from dealers and never has. Our dealer program had consisted of an advertising partnership but it has proven unsuccessful and we are no longer pursuing this program.
Unsure if our program is right for you? Have questions about who is eligible or what the requirements are? Want to know exactly what is required of you to qualify?
Please read the following and familiarize yourself with our program;
1-800-Charity Cars provides free vehicles to a wide array of clients.
Our clients include:
- Victims of domestic violence
- The medically needy
- Victims of natural disasters
- Families transitioning from public assistance to work
- Families living in transitional living shelters
- The working poor
- Non-profit organizations
- Military Families
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Be a resident of the United States Of America
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a Valid Driver’s License
- Be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Have a genuine need for a vehicle (meaning you lack any sustainable transportation)
- Have access to a Computer and Internet Service
- Sign up and create an account on our vehicle distribution site https://freecharitycars.org
- Complete an online application for a vehicle.
- Please spread the word about our charity to increase vehicle donations by promoting.
- Have the financial means to pay for the fees such as tag, title, emissions, insurance, etc., if you are selected to receive a vehicle.
- Complete the paperwork process once awarded a vehicle.
- Be able to get to and pick up the vehicle AS SOON AS the process is complete and the vehicle is ready for pick up.
- Take financial responsibility for maintaining insurance and upkeep on the vehicle once awarded.
We wish we could make everyone happy but alas, we are mere mortals and do the best we can. We are America’s leading car donation / distribution charity and have been awarding free vehicles since 1996. Every aspect of our program has been born from invaluable experience. We love all our fellow mortals and hate disappointing anyone, but if our program does not resonate with you, please forgive us. We wish you much peace and joy.
Having a car does not necessarily make you ineligible to apply for or get a car through our program in certain situations.
We provide vehicles to struggling families and individuals who do not have sustainable transportation.This means you can not possess a vehicle that you drive daily that is in good working condition and still get a vehicle from us.
There are many people who have cars that are inoperable, or close to it and they can still get a car from us.
We do not.
We are not an International Charity. We only service the United States of America.
Unfortunately, you can not. You will have to have a computer/internet access to sign up and apply for a car. There are no other ways to apply for a vehicle.
FCC is under enormous pressure from our repair shops to get the cars removed ASAP as they have limited storage space available. The FCC website gives us the ability to quickly identify qualified recipients and complete the transfer of title so the vehicles can be picked up promptly.
We are at the mercy of the donating public, so we never know if, when, where or what type of vehicle will become available. We do not have an inventory of vehicles readily available as we award cars as quickly as we get viable program cars. There is NO guarantee of a vehicle and there may be an extensive waiting period for those who do receive vehicles. If you are in immediate need of a vehicle due to employment or medical crisis etc.. our program may not be for you.
The FCC private application is not made public, and is only viewable to Staff. We have worked with many Domestic Violence survivors in the past, and understand the need for privacy.
Unfortunately with the downturn in the economy we cannot offer monetary assistance for repairs to vehicles you already have.
FCC will call the contact numbers listed on your application. If you don’t answer we will leave a message (In case you are screening your calls, our area code is 407). If we do not hear from you within 24 hours we will email you. If we do not receive a call back from you within 48 hours of our first call we will choose another member.
It’s impossible to say for sure because it depends on so many variables. We rely on quality vehicle donations, and we are at the mercy of the donating public.
Once the FCC application is completed, the member qualifies to have their application reviewed. Once a vehicle becomes available in a particular geographic location, our team usually begins reviewing the applications of our members who live in that general vicinity. You may receive a vehicle if your story is truly inspirational and compelling, but we must strongly emphasize that your application is more likely to be reviewed in the order in which it was received.
You cannot “win” a car as this is not a lottery or game of chance.
Whenever we select a member for review to receive a vehicle we authenticate and verify their story and the information contained in the FCC application to ensure that they qualify.
Can our organization create a profile to apply for a vehicle? Can we apply on behalf of our clients?
Yes. FCC does award vehicles to other 501-C-3 non-profit charities. Your organization may create a profile for your organization and if you are selected you may elect to receive a vehicle for your organization or refer a client to FCC to receive the vehicle.
No one can purchase a charity car. We do not ever sell these “program” vehicles.
We never know what type of vehicle will be donated in your area. While members can not choose the make, model, year, color, etc. of a vehicle you can specify in your application your specific needs such as; automatic or manual, handicap accessible, and size of the vehicle to compensate for your family.
If FCC offers you a vehicle that will not work for your specific needs you may decline the vehicle and wait for one that will.
