Since 2011 · California 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Let your donation be the difference in someone’s life.
Donate your car, truck or RV. We tow it free, handle the title, and send half the net proceeds to a nonprofit you pick.
You pick the cause
Volunteer runCare. Serve. Give.
You choose who gets the money.
Half the net proceeds go to the 501(c)(3) you name, and the other half funds the Rotary clubs that run this program. Pick from any of our 138 partners, or leave the choice to Rotary — either way every dollar goes to charitable work.
To the nonprofit you name
School foundations, food programs, animal rescues, arts groups, disaster relief. Pick any of our partner organizations from the list.
To the Rotary clubs that run it
Clayton Valley Sunrise and Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary run this program as volunteers, unpaid. That half funds scholarships, local service projects and global grants.
No particular nonprofit in mind? Choose Direct Donations and all net proceeds will fund charitable projects carried out by Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise and Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary.
We make donating easy
Three steps, and we take it from there.
Tell us about the vehicle
Fill out the online form — about five minutes. Year, make, model, where it’s parked, and the nonprofit you want to support.
Sign over the title
You need a clear title in your name. Lost it? Lien on it? Owner passed away? Call us — we sort out most title problems every week.
We tow it, free
A tow operator sets a pickup window, usually 12 to 48 hours after we have the signed title. It doesn’t need to run, and you don’t need to be home.
After pickup we file the California release of liability for you. Tax documentation is issued after the vehicle is sold, generally within 30 days of sale, and IRS Form 1098‑C follows if the sale exceeds $500.
Why the difference
Most car donation programs are businesses. We aren’t.
The national programs you hear advertised are for-profit processors working on behalf of a charity. After marketing, staff and processing fees, the charity often receives a small fraction of the sale.
Cars 2nd Chance has no paid staff. Rotary volunteers administer the program, so overhead stays close to zero — and we recondition and sell retail where it earns more, which is a bigger deduction for you too.
Fourth car I’ve donated to them. Staff know what they’re doing and I get to choose where the money goes.
My Jaguar wasn’t worth repairing. They picked it up quickly and it went to a Rotary project I already cared about.
Easiest thing I’ve done all year. They towed the car and I didn’t even need to be there.
We’ve bought from them and donated to them over the years. Same people, same straight answers every time.
Before you start
Common questions.
What kinds of vehicles do you accept?
Cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, trailers and motorhomes, running or not. The two requirements are a clear title in your name and safe tow access — a driveway, street or lot the truck can reach directly, with tires that hold air.
Does it cost me anything?
No. Towing is free anywhere we serve, and there are no DMV fees, repairs or listing costs for you. You are responsible only for tickets or fines the vehicle collected before pickup.
How much can I deduct on my taxes?
If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you deduct the actual sale price and we send IRS Form 1098‑C. If it sells for $500 or less, you deduct the lesser of fair market value or $500. We’re not tax advisors — IRS Publication 4303 and your CPA are the right sources for your situation.
I’ve lost the title. Can I still donate?
Usually, yes. Missing titles are one of the most common things we deal with. Call us and we’ll walk you through a duplicate title, a lien release, or the paperwork needed when the registered owner has died.
Can I choose a nonprofit that isn’t on your list?
Yes. Name it on the donation form and we’ll contact them about joining the network. They need to be a 501(c)(3) in good standing. You can also choose Rotary Clubs and send the full amount to the two clubs that operate the program.
When should I cancel my insurance?
Wait until we confirm we’ve received the title and the vehicle has been picked up. Cancelling early can leave you exposed while the car is still registered to you.
Can’t find your answer?
A real person answers the phone during business hours. Title problems and unusual vehicles are worth a call rather than a form.
That car has one more job to do.
Five minutes on the form, free towing, and a cause you chose gets the money. We’ve been doing this in Contra Costa County since 2011.
Donate your car