What will you do with my vehicle?
Simply put, our first choice is to get the vehicle to a woman in need. That is the differentiator between our Good Neighbor Garage program and other vehicle donation programs that only sell the donations. We look for vehicles that will be safe and reliable for a minimum of two years. We are certainly willing to put a reasonable amount of repair into the vehicles to help them get to that point.
Each vehicle will be evaluated by our team. If it is determined that we can't make investment for stewardship purposes (value of vehicle vs. repairs needed), we will sell the vehicle in the way that will generate the most resources to help repair a vehicle owned by a client or to prepare a different vehicle through repairs to it. If we receive a vehicle that is valued at $5,000 or above, we will make an internal judgment whether that vehicle should be placed with a woman in need, or it should be sold so we can help several women through that gift.
Why should I donate my vehicle instead of sell?
When you no longer need or want your old vehicle, you have an opportunity to still put it to good use, and making a positive impact in the lives of others in need in your community.
Vehicles received by Good Neighbor Garage are evaluated to determine how they may best be used. Vehicles that are currently running well, or could be made reliable with a small amount of repair work, are ideal to become program vehicles, which may be placed with qualified low-income individuals, who otherwise could not afford reliable transportation.
A vehicle donation to Good Neighbor Garage also provides tax savings to you, as contributions are deductible for Federal and Colorado tax purposes.
Why should I donate to the GNG and not to another organization accepting car donations?
Most organizations that accept car donations do not actually use the vehicles to carry out their mission, rather they sell the cars as soon as possible to raise additional funds to support their activities.
At Good Neighbor Garage, we have a full service repair shop and certified mechanics on site. We have the opportunity to evaluate the donated vehicles, repair them if needed, and put them back into the community through our vehicle placement program.
Cars donated to GNG directly impact lives in the Denver community through our repair and car placement program. Women that qualify for our program will receive a reliable vehicle to help them better support their family by obtaining or maintaining employment.
Research evaluated by the National Economic Development and Law Center and the Ann E. Casey Foundation in the guide, Shifting Into Gear, shows that car ownership by low-income individuals results in more hours worked, increased earnings, as well as a decrease in dependency on welfare programs.
How do I get my car to Good Neighbor Garage?
You can drop it off at 116097 S. Golden Rd. Golden, CO, 80401, (Hands Automotive - our repair facility) or we’ll come pick it up! Just give us a call and we’ll work out the details!
What if my car doesn’t run?
We accept all vehicles, running or otherwise! If your vehicle doesn’t run, we can pick it up from you!
How do I get my car to you?
You can drop it off at the address below or we’ll come pick it up! Just give us a call and we’ll work out the details!
What are the tax benefits of donating my car and how do I receive a fair market value deduction?
Contributions made to Good Neighbor Garage are tax deductible for federal and state purposes.
Generally, when you donate your car to a charity, your tax deduction is limited to the gross proceeds from the ultimate sale or disposition by the charity. However, when you make a donation to the GNG program you may be able to deduct the full fair market of the vehicle. Current tax law provides that if a charitable organization either makes a substantial improvement to a donated vehicle, or if they offer the vehicle for sale at below-market value to needy individuals, then the donor may deduct the full fair market value of the vehicle. Since GNG has the capability to make repairs (substantial improvements) to donated vehicles, and we also sell vehicles below-market value as part of our vehicle placement program, you have the opportunity for a maximum tax deduction.
How do I determine the market value of my car?
Several websites may assist you in determining the value of your car. These include NADA (nadaguides.com), Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), and Edmunds (edmunds.com).
For purposes of determining your tax deduction, we recommend consulting your tax adviser, and/or read IRS Publication 561 - “Determining the Value of Donated Property.”
A car with a value greater than $5,000 must be appraised by a qualified appraiser. See the “Deductions of More than $5,000” section in IRS Publication 561 for more information.
Can I donate cash gifts to Good Neighbor Garage?
Yes, you can! While a significant percentage of the GNG operating income comes from the sale of donated vehicles, fixed overhead expenses including rent, repair parts, license fees, utilities, etc. require cash donations to help offset the ongoing operational costs of providing this valuable service.
Donating is easy, which you may either do online or by traditional paper check. GNG will send you a receipt for tax purposes. Go to Donate Money section
Checks can be mailed to Good Neighbor Garage at the following address:
Good Neighbor Garage
16097 S. Golden Rd.
Golden, CO 80401