(734) 484-4357 office@friendsindeed.org

Car Donation Program

A reliable car changes what’s possible. Your gently used vehicle can connect a neighbor in Washtenaw County to work, healthcare, and community. Donate your car and Friends In Deed will make sure it reaches someone who needs it most.

A donated car ready to help a Washtenaw County neighbor
Donated vehicles help Washtenaw County neighbors access work, healthcare, and community.

About the Program

Friends In Deed accepts donated passenger cars in a range of conditions. Working cars are passed directly to qualified individuals and families in Washtenaw County, helping neighbors get where they need to go.

Non-working cars are welcome too. If repair costs exceed the program budget, Friends In Deed may ask your permission to sell the vehicle. Proceeds go directly into the Transportation Program Fund, which covers repair costs for other donated cars and helps families handle unexpected repair bills.

Donate a Car

Have a passenger car to donate? Fill out the car donation form to get started. We’ll review your vehicle information and follow up with next steps.

Start a Car Donation

Join the Waitlist to Receive a Car

Live in Washtenaw County and need a car to get to work or healthcare?

To learn how to join our car waitlist, email the Essential Services team or call (734) 484‑4357.

Email Us
A passenger car being inspected for donation
Partner auto shops can inspect donated vehicles free of charge when needed.

What We Can Accept

We welcome donated passenger cars of all conditions.

  • Working cars are passed directly to qualified individuals and families in Washtenaw County, so your car goes straight to someone who needs it.
  • Non-working cars are welcome too. When repair costs exceed our program budget, we may ask your permission to sell the vehicle. Proceeds go directly into our Transportation Program Fund, which covers repair costs for other donated cars and helps families handle unexpected repair bills.

Not Sure About Your Car’s Condition?

Not sure about your car's condition? Our partner auto shops will inspect it free of charge.

Questions? Call us at (734) 484‑4357, Monday–Thursday, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Car keys and vehicle paperwork prepared for donation
The donation process includes intake, inspection if needed, title transfer, and a donation receipt.

How It Works

The timeline varies depending on repairs needed and your ability to provide proof of ownership and lien release.

  1. Intake: Fill out our online form to get started. We'll review your car's age, mileage, make and model, known issues, and whether it's been sitting, then let you know if it's headed for inspection or sale.
  2. Inspection, if needed: If your car is recommended for inspection, you'll drop it off at one of our partner auto shops. Friends In Deed covers any necessary repairs and maintenance. There's no cost to you.
  3. Title transfer and receipt: Once you've confirmed your donation, we coordinate a formal title transfer through the Secretary of State, releasing you from any liability and protecting your privacy. You'll receive a signed donation receipt and notification of your eligible tax deduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a donated car through Friends In Deed?
You must join the car donation waitlist. Because cars are only available through community donations, waitlist members are not guaranteed to receive a car.
To apply for the waitlist, you will need to schedule an interview with the Essential Services team and provide the following qualifying documentation: copy of valid driver’s license, 30 days proof of income for all occupants of the household, and provisional insurance quote. To keep your spot on the waitlist, you will need to check-in with the Essential Services team at Friends In Deed once a month.
Can I donate my car to Friends In Deed?
Yes. Vehicle donations help fund our work supporting neighbors across Washtenaw County. Fill out the short form on this page and someone from our team will reach out to walk you through the next steps.
What kinds of vehicles do you accept?
We accept most cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. Whether your vehicle runs or not, let us know the details on the form and we'll tell you if we can take it.
Is my car donation tax-deductible?
Friends In Deed is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 38-2443974), so your donation may be tax-deductible. We'll provide a receipt for your records. The amount you can deduct depends on how the vehicle is used or sold, so we recommend checking with your tax advisor.
How does my donation help?
Transportation is one of the everyday barriers our neighbors face, and reliable access to a vehicle can be the difference between keeping a job and losing one. Your donation goes directly toward Friends In Deed's mission of helping people in need and building community to end poverty.
A donor completing car donation paperwork
Car donations to Friends In Deed are tax deductible.

Tax Benefits

Friends In Deed is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, so your donation is fully tax deductible.

  • If your car goes to a family: deduct the fair market value (Kelley Blue Book).
  • If your car is sold: deduct the sale price.

Ready to Donate?

It only takes a few minutes to get started. Submit the donation form here:

Start Your Donation

Questions? Call (734) 484-4357 (Mon-Thu, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm) or email directassist@friendsindeedmi.org