What We Do
Our Mission
Vehicles for Change Inc. (VFC) exists so that low-income families can achieve the financial and personal independence that comes from owning a vehicle.
Vehicles for Change’s goal is to build a sustainable car award program in the Maryland-Virginia-Washington D.C. region and then replicate that program nationally, aiming to bring independent transportation and training in the automotive field to as many people as possible. Read more.
Our Program
A nonprofit organization, VFC receives 99 percent of its car donations from the public. We repair cars that meet our quality standards and award them for as little as $750 to eligible families, who are referred to us by social service agencies.
Since 1999, VFC has awarded cars to more than 4,000 low-income families, changing the lives of more than 14,000 people. Our 2011 study found that 75 percent of VFC recipients got better jobs and/or boosted their earnings an average of $7,000 within the first year. Learn more.
This video, put together by the Calvert Foundation, features the VFC Program:
We guarantee families’ low-interest car loans—allowing them to build credit—and provide an orientation course to prepare them for car ownership. Their VFC vehicles carry a six-month/6,000 warranty, and with proper maintenance will deliver reliable service for at least 24,000 miles or two years.
VFC operates Freedom Wheels, a retail used-car lot that is open to the public so that car prices are kept low for recipients. All proceeds go toward preparing more vehicles for deserving families.
Tax Advantage for Donors
VFC car donors gain a substantial tax advantage that’s not available with most other charities. We’re the only organization in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. region that makes it possible for donors to deduct the full fair market value of their car donation, because their donation is awarded to a low-income family. Learn more about the VFC Tax Advantage.
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