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What is a Kidney Car Donation?
A kidney car donation is a helpful way to dispose of an unused or unwanted motor vehicle that benefits charitable organizations dedicated towards the kidney disease cause. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is one such charity that has been in operation raising money for kidney disease research and support for individuals for over 25 years. One of the ways they raise money is by taking in donated cars, repairing and reselling them or selling them off for scrap. Because the NKF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the owner of the vehicle can claim an income tax deduction should they itemize their annual taxes.
The process for donating a car to the NKF is very simple. Car owners can either call the foundation or initiate the process online from the organization’s website. Important to consider before contacting the NKF are the basic requirements associated with the donated vehicle, like a clear title, the VIN number, mileage and disclosure of any structural damage. While the vehicle doesn’t need to be in running condition, it must be whole; it cannot be in pieces. A breakdown of these requirements can be found on the organization’s website.
There are numerous organizations that claim to be a car donation charity but in actuality are middlemen. They coordinate the details with the real charitable organizations for you, then collect a percentage of the proceeds. It’s a common procedure as well as legal, however those wanting the charitable group of their choice to receive the maximum amount of their donation would be better off dealing straight with the charity. Either way, turning your junker into a kidney car is a wonderful way to make a difference, whether it be clearing your garage or saving a life.
