Apply for a free car with Free Car Foundation
Low-income families are welcome to apply to our program. Our application is free, takes about 5 minutes and never asks for your Social Security number or bank details.
Other programs that accept low-income families
1-800-Charity Cars (Free Charity Cars)
Working poor families, domestic violence survivors, veterans and military families, people with medical needs, disaster victims and transitional shelter residents.
Vehicles for Change
Low-income working families referred by a partner agency, who need a car to keep or get a job.
Good News Garage
Low-income working adults who need reliable transportation to get to work, often through state welfare-to-work programs.
NABC Recycled Rides
Families and individuals nominated by a local nonprofit — often veterans, single parents and people overcoming hardship.
Wheels from the Heart
Families in need of reliable transportation.
Salvation Army Vehicle Assistance
Mainly domestic violence survivors, families in serious financial crisis and people experiencing homelessness.
Working Cars for Working Families
Anyone looking for a nonprofit car-ownership program near them.
Ways to Work Car Loans
Working parents with low income or poor credit who need a car for work.
Clean Cars 4 All (California)
Income-qualified California residents who retire an older, higher-polluting car.
Driving Clean Assistance Program (California)
Income-qualified Californians buying a clean vehicle.
Wheels of Success
Working individuals and families in the Tampa Bay area who need a car to stay employed.
Tips to improve your chances
- Find out your household income as a percentage of the federal poverty level — many programs use 200%
- Apply to national charities and local programs at the same time
- Ask your TANF caseworker about transportation help tied to work or training
- Consider a nonprofit car loan if you need a car within weeks rather than months
What to do while you wait
Free cars are rare and waitlists are long. Most families combine an application with a backup plan: repair help for a car they already have, grants and low-interest car loans, or government transportation help. Read what a donated car really costs before you are selected.
More help that fits your situation
- Gas assistance programs
- Free car seats
- Cheap reliable used cars
- Car payment assistance
- How to buy a car with no credit
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