Donate Used Cars in Milwaukee, WI
Be sure to consult a tax advisor for details on how to claim your used car donation as a tax deduction. The organizations below will provide you with a receipt for your donation, but they cannot provide official tax advice.
1. Esperanza Unida
www.esperanzaunida.org
1329 W. National Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53204
414-671-0251
Want to know that your old car will get some special treatment? Esperanza Unida’s well-developed program actually uses donated vehicles in its auto repair training classes. The students learn an important trade, and the newly revived cars are either sold to the public or offered to graduates of the training program at a reduced rate to help their transition into the workforce.
You can drop off a vehicle at the auto repair shop (1329 W National Ave.) or call to arrange for a daytime pickup. Because of the nature of the program, both functioning and disabled vehicles are accepted. The garage needs basic title information, but they also appreciate any other details you can share about the vehicle’s condition.
About the organization: Esperanza Unida provides job training, job placement, and counseling services to minorities and the unemployed. They proudly serve the entire Milwaukee community, but the organization does specialize in Latino concerns.
2. Ranch Community Services
www.ranchwi.org
W187 N8661 Maple Road
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051-1800
Phone: 262-251-8670
If you want to drop off a vehicle for donation, Ranch Community Services can oblige. They accept drivable vehicles without an appointment at their Menomonee Falls location (just northwest of Milwaukee) between the hours of 6:00am and 4:30pm, but they will make special arrangements if you can only do an evening drop-off.
Ranch accepts more than just cars. They state that “anything with a motor” might be accepted, but it does have to be a running vehicle. A tow truck will only de dispatched if your disabled donation is valuable (like a well-maintained classic car or a newer car with only minor problems). As long as you have your clear title and the vehicle is in your name, Ranch staff will allow you to sign the vehicle over to them. They will provide you with an acknowledgement form so that you have proof of the donation for tax purposes.
About the organization: Ranch Community Services provides a broad array of services to disabled adults and children in order to help lead a positive community life. They promote independence, provide support, and even assist with employment.
3. Mental Health Association in Milwaukee County
www.mhamilw.org
734 N. 4th Street, Suite 200
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Car donation contact phone: Angela Meyers at 414-376-3122
To donate a car to the Mental Health Association, you are first required to complete a car donation form that is available for download in PDF format on the organization website. The donation program itself is actually administered through a company located in California; however, the staff at MHA in Milwaukee will assist you with questions. You can complete the form and mail it to the address above or fax it to 414-276-3124. The typical turnaround time from your submission of the form to the pickup of your vehicle is approximately a week; however, they are willing to work with donors who call and request a faster pickup.
Cars and trucks comprise most of the donations, but you can also donate trailers, trucks, and recreation vehicles. It is possible that motorcycles may also be accepted, but a prospective donor should call to inquire. Vehicles need not be in running condition, as bonded tow trucks are sent out to do the pick ups. There are some older vehicles which might not be accepted, but provided that the value of the vehicle exceeds the cost of donation logistics, it should be accepted. The typical “value” for donated cars is $500, but if the organization is able to sell a vehicle for more than that, they will send you a postcard with the amount for tax purposes.
About the organization: The Mental Health Association is the local branch of the National Mental Health Association, established to promote the rights and life quality of the mentally ill. This advocacy group also engages in education and prevention activities nationwide.
