Program guide

Working Cars for Working Families: Eligibility, Application & Costs

Working Cars for Working Families is a national network of nonprofit car-ownership programs. It does not give cars itself, but it is one of the best ways to find legitimate local programs you may not hear about otherwise.

Last verified: · By the Free Car Foundation Editorial Team

Man with a work bag getting into his blue car outside his home at sunrise
Independent guide: this page explains Working Cars network for your information. It is not the Working Cars network application, and Free Car Foundation is not affiliated with Working Cars network.

Apply for a free car with Free Car Foundation

Waiting on Working Cars network? Apply to our program too — there is no limit on how many programs you apply to. Our application is free, takes about 5 minutes and never asks for your Social Security number or bank details.

Who it helpsAnyone looking for a nonprofit car-ownership program near them.
Service areaNationwide directory
Cost to applyFree — never pay to apply

Who qualifies for Working Cars network?

  • Depends on each local program in the network

How to apply

  1. Visit the network's website and look for programs in your state
  2. Contact the local programs directly
  3. Ask about low-cost cars and affordable car loans as well as free cars

To apply to Working Cars network itself, use its official website: workingcarsforworkingfamilies.org.

What does it really cost?

Using the directory is free. Local programs set their own fees. Read our guide to the real cost of a donated car so you can budget before you are selected.

How long is the wait?

Depends on the local program. While you wait, look at car repair assistance for a car you already have, or car grants and low-interest loans.

Is Working Cars network legit?

A long-standing nonprofit network. Use it to double-check whether a local program is real. See our free car scam alerts for the warning signs.

Where Working Cars network operates

Nationwide — see our state guides for local options.

Who this program is best for

Low-income families · Single moms

Similar programs to apply to

1-800-Charity Cars (Free Charity Cars)

All 50 states

Working poor families, domestic violence survivors, veterans and military families, people with medical needs, disaster victims and transitional shelter residents.

Vehicles for Change

Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. area and Detroit, Michigan

Low-income working families referred by a partner agency, who need a car to keep or get a job.

Good News Garage

Vermont and parts of New England

Low-income working adults who need reliable transportation to get to work, often through state welfare-to-work programs.

Cars 4 Heroes

Nationwide

Veterans, active-duty military members, first responders and their families — and in some cases civilians in need.

Frequently asked questions

Is Working Cars network really free?
Using the directory is free. Local programs set their own fees.
How do I apply to Working Cars network?
Visit the network's website and look for programs in your state. Contact the local programs directly. Ask about low-cost cars and affordable car loans as well as free cars.
Is Working Cars network a scam?
A long-standing nonprofit network. Use it to double-check whether a local program is real.

Need a car to get to work?

Apply to the Free Car Foundation program today. It is free, takes about 5 minutes and never asks for your SSN or bank details.