Donate Your Car to UNICEF USA to Support Children Worldwide

UNICEF USA works to protect the rights and improve the lives of children around the world. When you donate a car to UNICEF USA, your vehicle is transformed into critical funding that supports lifesaving programs for children facing poverty, disease, conflict, and disaster.
Vehicle donations to UNICEF USA help provide children with the essentials they need for an equitable chance in life. Your donation is tax-deductible, costs nothing out of pocket, and supports a globally trusted nonprofit that has helped save and meaningfully improve more children’s lives than any other organization.
UNICEF USA’s Mission: Helping Every Child Survive and Thrive
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to ensure every child is healthy, educated, protected, and respected. UNICEF USA supports this mission by funding programs that focus on children’s most urgent needs, including:
- Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
- Nutrition and emergency food assistance
- Access to education and learning materials
- Health care, vaccines, and disease prevention
- Protection for children affected by conflict and natural disasters
When you donate a car to UNICEF USA, you are directly supporting these lifesaving and life-changing efforts—helping children not only survive, but thrive.
Why Donate a Car to UNICEF USA?
UNICEF USA offers a highly efficient and trusted vehicle donation program designed to maximize impact for children.
Key benefits include:
- Strong return to charity: Generally 75–80 percent of your vehicle’s gross selling price goes directly to UNICEF USA to support programs for children.
- No cost to donate: Pickup and towing are completely free.
- Trusted nonprofit: UNICEF USA is a 501(c)(3) organization with top ratings for transparency and accountability from Charity Navigator.
- National recognition: USA Today and Forbes have recognized UNICEF USA among leading charities that accept vehicle donations.
Your donated vehicle helps fund critical services that give children a healthier, safer, and more hopeful future.
How to Donate Your Car to UNICEF USA
Donating a vehicle is simple and rewarding. UNICEF USA’s car donation program is processed by its authorized agent, Advanced Remarketing Services, and can be completed in three easy steps.
1. Provide Vehicle Information
Complete the online donation form with basic details about your vehicle, including the VIN, year, make, model, mileage, and condition.
2. Schedule a Free Pickup
Within two to three business days, a local towing company will contact you to arrange a convenient pickup time. Towing is always free.
3. Receive Your Tax Receipt
After your vehicle is sold, you will receive an email acknowledgment and access to a donor dashboard. Once the sale is complete, you will receive a tax receipt for your records.
Commonly Asked Car Donation Questions
What types of vehicles can I donate?
UNICEF USA accepts a wide range of vehicle donations, including:
- Running and non-running cars
- Trucks, vans, and SUVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats and trailers
- RVs
- Heavy machinery and other motorized vehicles (accepted on a case-by-case basis)
If you have questions about a specific vehicle, you can call (855) 487-3863 for assistance.
What if my car doesn’t run?
Your vehicle does not need to be operational to qualify. As long as it is in one piece and three of the four tires are inflated for towing, it can usually be accepted. In rare cases, if transportation and processing costs exceed the vehicle’s attainable value, the donation may not proceed.
Where can I donate a car?
UNICEF USA uses a nationwide network of licensed and insured buyers and towing agents. This means you can donate your car from virtually anywhere in the United States. A local towing company will coordinate pickup at no cost to you.
Tax Benefits of Donating a Car to UNICEF USA
Donating a vehicle may provide valuable tax benefits if you itemize deductions.
- If your car sells for more than $500, you may deduct the full sale price.
- If it sells for $500 or less, you may deduct $500 or the vehicle’s fair market value, whichever is less.
Within 30 days of the sale, you will receive a tax receipt that includes:
- The vehicle’s gross sale price (if over $500)
- Vehicle year, make, model, and VIN
- Confirmation that the sale was an arms-length transaction
- A statement that no goods or services were received in return
Click here for more answers to your tax questions. Always consult your tax adviser or the IRS for personalized tax advice.
Make a Difference Today
An unused vehicle can become a powerful force for good. When you donate your car to UNICEF USA, you help fund programs that deliver clean water, education, health care, and protection to children around the world—while receiving a tax deduction and enjoying a hassle-free donation process.
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