Vehicle Donation Fund-raiser Tutorial

American Council of the Blind of Oregon (ACBO)

Vehicle Donation Program Tutorial

This document explains how to refer donors to the vehicle donation program, Kars R Us, to support ACB of Oregon (ACBO). Historically, the vehicle donation program has been a lucrative fundraiser for ACBO. Early in the 2000’s, legislation changed, resulting in a drop in donations. During the last couple of years, ACBO treasurer reports show a steady increase in income ranging from $32.00 to $720.00 per month. If we all take a part in referring donors to this program, just imagine how these earnings might increase.

Other Points to Consider

ACBO may use funds to:

  • provide grants for education, equipment or other activities that improve quality of life
  • Implement education and advocacy
  • Support leadership seminars to provide members opportunities to grow
  • send members to state or national advocacy conferences/conventions
  • provide information and services to improve quality of life for Oregonians who are low vision or blind.

For more information, contact an ACBO Board Member or go to www.acboforegon.org .

Helpful Information About the Vehicle Donation Program

Kars R Us lists ACBO on its car donation website:

WWW.DONATION2CHARITY.COM.

Most donors come from that website. Referrals make up a smaller percentage. ACBO is listed free of charge, so, there are no advertising costs at this time.

The donor fills out an online form or calls the 24-hour call-center. The auto vendor contacts the donor to arrange to pick up the vehicle. Kars R Us emails the donor a receipt (or mails one if the donor doesn’t have an email address). If the vehicle sells for over $500 Kars R Us sends the donor an IRS tax form 1098c. Kars R Us charges a $35 administration fee on every sold unit and retains 50% of the net proceeds.  Net proceeds = gross, less towing & auction processing fees, less $35 admin.

There is fast free pickup. The key “Go button” is that the donation directly benefits ACB of Oregon.

Limitations

Keep in mind, services are limited to areas where there are vendors who can pick up vehicles which is almost exclusively along the I-5 corridor.  Kars R Us can pick up high value vehicles, from the coast, but the towing costs may be several hundred dollars, so the value of the vehicle would have to justify the transport costs, or else the vehicle could sell for less than the handling costs.

What to tell Donors

Any time you are promoting a fund-raiser for the ACBO, please talk about the benefits of supporting programs and services that improve the quality of life for low vision and blind Oregonians.

ACBO is composed of about 150 concerned Oregonians dedicated to helping Visually Impaired and Blind people in Oregon. Please refer vehicle donors to the ACBO website where they can access the link to the vehicle donation program, www.acboforegon.org ; you may also refer them directly to  www.donation2charity.com

The mission statement, pasted below, will guide you in creating talking points.

ACB of Oregon Mission Statement

The American Council of The Blind of Oregon ACBO is the Oregon state affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB).

What We Do

  • Strives to increase the independence and quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people throughout Oregon.
  • Provides opportunities for enrichment to People who are visually impaired & their families
  • Discovers, studies, develops, and promotes social education and economic opportunities
  • Strives to present a wholesome and realistic image of vision impairment

The ACBO is the blind of Oregon helping the blind of Oregon.

ACBO is listed on the car donation website: WWW.DONATION2CHARITY.COM.  ACBO is listed free of charge, so at this time there are no advertising fees.

  • the donor fills out an online form or calls the 24/7 call center.

•  the auto vendor contacts the donor to arrange to pick up the vehicle.

•  the donor receives a receipt via email (or mail one if they don’t have an email address).

If the vehicle sells for over $500 the donor will receive an IRS tax form 1098-C.

A $35 administrative fee is charged on every unit sold, and 50% of the net proceeds is retained.  Net proceeds = gross, less towing & auction processing fees, less $35 admin fee.

How does the donor specify the recipient of the donation?

On WWW.DONATION2CHARITY.COM  the visitor has the option to donate to any of the listed clients.  Btw, the company is in the process of making this website ADA compliant for the visually impaired.

Fast Free Pickup. The key “go button” is that the donation directly benefits ACB of Oregon.

Keep in mind services are limited to where we have a vendor that can pick up the cars, which is almost exclusively along the I-5 corridor.  They can pick up high value vehicles from the coast, but the tow costs can be several hundred dollars, so the value of the vehicle would have to justify the transport cost or else the vehicle could sell for less than the handling cost.

Take Action

Help promote the vehicle donation program. ACB of Oregon has business cards, in print and braille, advertising the vehicle donation program. Please consider visiting car dealerships, auto parts stores, towing companies and others and telling them about the ACB of Oregon’s vehicle donation program. Drop off the business cards and encourage them to tell their customers about us.

For more information, contact an ACB of Oregon board member or go to:

www.acboforegon.org .