We understand that donating your vehicle can raise questions about where your car goes and how it truly benefits those in need. You want to ensure that your generosity is used wisely, and we are here to provide you with complete transparency about our process.
This page walks you through the entire journey of your car from the moment it is picked up until you receive your tax receipt. We believe that transparency is not just a policy; it's a promise to our donors.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Ride to Relief is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Vehicles sold at auction yield a gross proceeds deduction.
- Donors can claim the actual sale price on IRS Form 1098-C.
- Cars used for charity programs provide a fair market value deduction.
- Vehicles are inspected and titles verified within 10 days.
- Tax receipts are mailed within 30 days of the vehicle sale.
How it works, step by step
Pickup
On Day 0, your vehicle is picked up at a scheduled time convenient for you. Our team ensures the process is seamless and efficient.
Transport to Auction Lot
Within 5 days, your car is transported to our secure auction lot, ensuring it is safely handled and stored before inspection.
Inspection + Title Verification
From Day 3 to Day 10, our team conducts a thorough inspection of your vehicle and verifies its title to ensure compliance and readiness for auction.
Auction Listing
By Days 7 to 21, your vehicle is listed on auction platforms, maximizing its visibility and potential sale price to benefit our programs.
Sale
The auction process typically spans Days 14 to 45, where your vehicle is sold to the highest bidder, and proceeds are allocated to our mission.
Proceeds Distribution
Within 30 to 60 days, the proceeds from the sale are distributed to support our programs, ensuring your donation has a meaningful impact.
1098-C Receipt Mailed
After the sale, we mail you a Form 1098-C within 30 to 60 days, which details your donation for tax purposes.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Charity Status
How: You can verify our nonprofit status using the IRS pub78 online tool, confirming that Ride to Relief is a legitimate 501(c)(3) charity.
✓ Charity Navigator Rating
How: Visit Charity Navigator and search for Ride to Relief to view our ratings and financial health, along with donor reviews.
✓ Colorado Attorney General Registry
How: Access the Colorado Secretary of State's website to check our registration status and any formal complaints filed with the Attorney General.
✓ Form 990 Accessibility
How: Our Form 990, which details our financial activities, is publicly available via several financial transparency sites like GuideStar.
✓ Better Business Bureau Accreditation
How: Check our BBB profile for accreditation and read reviews to understand how we handle donor concerns and inquiries.
Real impact, real numbers
Every vehicle donated to Ride to Relief helps provide essential transportation assistance to low-income families in Colorado. For instance, your donation could help fund our program, which has helped over 500 families secure reliable transportation, with each vehicle valued at an average of $3,000. Altogether, we’ve raised more than $1.5 million in the past year to support our mission of alleviating transportation barriers in our community.
Colorado oversight
In Colorado, all charities must register with the Secretary of State and comply with state regulations. If you have concerns, you can file a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General's office. Local consumer protection agencies are also available to assist you in verifying the legitimacy of charitable organizations.