At Drive Change, we know that skepticism about charitable contributions is common, especially when it comes to vehicle donations. Our mission is to provide full transparency about how your generous donation operates from the moment your vehicle is sold at auction through to the impactful programs we fund. Through our process, we aim to empower you with specific details that highlight both the proceeds and the ultimate benefits your donation brings to our community.
This page outlines the journey of your vehicle donation, including how proceeds are allocated after expenses and the tangible outcomes achieved through our partnered nonprofits. We adhere to high standards of transparency, ensuring that you can trust that your contribution is making a real difference in Fort Worth.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Drive Change is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
- 70-80% of auction proceeds are directed to our partner nonprofits.
- We maintain a program expense ratio of 75% or higher.
- All donations are utilized to fund direct community programs like meals and housing.
- You can verify our status on IRS pub78 and Form 990.
- Charity Navigator rates us based on transparency and financial health.
- We are registered with the Texas Attorney General's office for oversight.
How it works, step by step
Donation Pickup
Once you schedule a pickup, we tow your vehicle at no cost to you. The vehicle is then taken to a secure storage facility while we prepare it for auction.
Auction Sale
Your vehicle is auctioned, generating proceeds. Typically, between $1,500 and $2,000 can be expected from a sale, depending on the vehicle's condition and market demand.
Expense Deductions
Before proceeds are allocated, we deduct costs associated with towing, storage, and auction fees, which ensures transparency in our financial dealings.
Net Proceeds Distribution
About 70-80% of the net proceeds from the auction sale reach our partner nonprofit, directly benefiting their programs throughout the community.
Program Funding
The funds are then channeled into crucial programs, translating auction proceeds into meals, shelter, and training hours for those in need.
Verify it yourself
✓ Verify our IRS status
How: You can confirm our 501(c)(3) status via the IRS pub78 online tool, which lists eligible charitable organizations.
✓ Check our financial transparency
How: Visit Charity Navigator and search for Drive Change; here, you can review our financial health and accountability ratings.
✓ Review our registration with state authorities
How: Our registration with the Texas Attorney General's office is publicly accessible and up-to-date, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
✓ Examine our Form 990 filings
How: You can obtain copies of our Form 990 filings, which provide a detailed overview of our revenue, expenses, and program activities.
✓ Check Better Business Bureau rating
How: Look up Drive Change on the Better Business Bureau website to see our ratings and customer reviews regarding our trustworthiness.
Real impact, real numbers
For instance, when your donated vehicle sells for $1,500, after deductions, approximately $1,050 to $1,200 will reach our partner nonprofit. With a 75% program expense ratio, this translates to about $790 to $900 available for direct programs. This funding can provide over 300 meals at a local food bank or support 10 to 15 shelter nights at our housing partner, demonstrating the real-world impact of your generosity.
Fort Worth oversight
In Fort Worth, the charitable landscape is supported by both state and local regulations, overseen by the Texas Attorney General's office. This oversight helps protect donors while promoting local nonprofits. If you have concerns about charitable practices, the Attorney General's office offers a complaint process. Additionally, local consumer protection resources are available to assist donors in ensuring their contributions are used effectively and ethically.