Car Awards Program

Vehicles for Change awards vehicles to qualified low-income families in Maryland and Virginia and guarantees their low-interest loans. The program is designed for clients of VFC’s partner social-service and job-readiness agencies.

Applying For The Program

Applications are available only through VFC partner agencies. Only an agency in your home state or county can submit an application on your behalf. You cannot apply directly to VFC. Although agencies submit the applications, Vehicles for Change alone selects car recipients.

Vehicles for Change has worked with these agencies.

Contact your caseworker for further information.  

Paying for the Car

Cars cost about $950, and monthly payments are approximately $90. If you’re selected for the car award program, Vehicles for Change will guarantee a low-interest loan regardless of your credit history. Vehicles in this program carry a six-month/6,000 mile warranty and, with proper maintenance, will deliver reliable service for at least 24,000 miles or two years. 

Do I qualify?

To qualify for this program, you must meet the following criteria. We consider only the applications of qualified individuals. 

  • You must be a resident or Maryland or Northern Virginia
  • You must be referred by one of the sponsoring agencies listed here.
  • You must have a verifiable job offer or be working at least 30 hours a week
  • You must have a driver’s license in the state in which you reside
  • You must be insurable (no DWIs or DUIs)
  • You must not have any other vehicle in your household
  • You must be drug-free and have no extensive criminal background
  • You must be able to cover fees for taxes, tags, and title (approximately an additional $250)
  • If you are under the age of 25, you must have children
  • You must be referred to us through a sponsoring agency that is based in your county or state of residence
  • You must be able to afford the ongoing cost of car ownership (insurance, fuel, and repairs, as needed).
To ensure that vehicles are reserved for families in need, there are income restrictions:
Household Size Maximum Income Level
1 $22,000
2 $32,500
3 $37,500
4 $41,875
5 $46,250
6 $51,875
For more information, contact your caseworker or VFC.