Donating your car is an act of compassion, and we understand that you may have questions about how your generous gift is utilized. At Cruise for Cause, we are committed to ensuring that every aspect of your donation, from the sale of the vehicle to the programs we support, is transparent and straightforward. In this section, we’ll break down the post-sale proceeds and show you how your donation makes a tangible difference.
It’s natural to be skeptical about charitable donations, especially when it comes to how funds are allocated. We aim to establish trust by providing you with clear details about the flow of auction proceeds. We adhere to a high standard of transparency, ensuring that 70-80% of the gross auction sale reaches our nonprofit partners. We invite you to explore this page to see exactly how your generosity translates into meaningful impact.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Cruise for Cause is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Florida.
- On average, 70-80% of auction proceeds go directly to our partner charities.
- Post-sale expenses include tow, storage, processing fees, and auction costs.
- Typical program expense ratios for our partners are around 75%, focusing on direct program spending.
- Every dollar contributes to measurable outputs like meals served or shelter nights provided.
- You can verify our status and financials through public resources like IRS and Charity Navigator.
How it works, step by step
Vehicle Donation
You donate your vehicle to Cruise for Cause, initiating a straightforward process. We handle all logistics, including towing and paperwork, at no cost to you.
Auction Sale
Your vehicle is sold at auction, and we strive to achieve the best possible sale price. After the sale, various costs, such as towing and storage, are deducted.
Proceeds Distribution
After all necessary deductions, 70-80% of the gross sale proceeds are transferred to our partner nonprofit organizations, ensuring your donation maximizes its impact.
Program Funding
The nonprofit partner utilizes these funds to support their programs. With a typical program expense ratio of 75%, the funds directly contribute to essential services.
Impact Measurement
The true impact of your donation is measured in tangible outputs—every dollar translates into meals, shelter nights, or training hours, showcasing the real difference made.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Public Charity Lookup
How: You can verify our 501(c)(3) status through the IRS public charity search tool. Just enter our EIN to confirm our legitimacy as a nonprofit.
✓ Charity Navigator
How: Visit Charity Navigator to review our financial health and transparency scores. This independent resource evaluates nonprofits based on performance and accountability.
✓ State Charity Registry
How: Check the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to see our registered status and any filed complaints. This registry ensures compliance with state regulations.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: We file Form 990 annually, detailing our financial activities. You can access these filings via GuideStar or directly from our website for full transparency.
✓ Better Business Bureau
How: Review our BBB profile to see our ratings and any complaints. The BBB provides insights into how we handle customer feedback and uphold ethical standards.
Real impact, real numbers
Consider a vehicle sold at auction for $1,500. After deducting necessary fees, between $1,050 and $1,200 reaches our nonprofit partner. Assuming a 75% program expense ratio, this translates to about $790 to $900 directly funding critical programs. For instance, this could provide over 300 meals at our food bank partner or support 10-15 shelter nights at a local housing organization. Your donations not only change lives but do so in measurable, impactful ways.
Fort Lauderdale oversight
In Fort Lauderdale, charities are subject to oversight by the Florida Attorney General, ensuring compliance with state fundraising laws. If you have concerns, you can file a complaint with the AG's office for resolution. Local consumer protection resources are also available to help you navigate any issues. We take our responsibilities seriously and are committed to serving our community with integrity.