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Your vehicle donation helps PBS Wisconsin deliver trusted journalism, PBS KIDS, educational resources, lifelong learning and cultural programming and the Wisconsin stories that connect us all.
Ready to donate? It’s easy! Complete the form below or call us toll-free at 877-978-4227—seven days a week. Thank you!
Vehicle donation tax benefits
Your vehicle donation is still tax-deductible and will fall into one of these categories:
- For low-value vehicle donations you can claim the fair market value up to $500.00 without any additional paperwork besides the receipt we will provide at the time of the pickup.
- If you donate a car that is worth more than $500.00, your deduction will be limited to the actual sale price of your car donation. If your vehicle is sold, all proceeds will benefit the Friends of PBS Wisconsin, Inc. a 501(c)(3) charity. You will be provided with a receipt stating the final sales price of your vehicle within 30 days of the sale. We will work to get top dollar for your car donation.
Vehicle donation FAQs
We accept most cars, trucks, vans, fleet vehicles, trailers, boats, motorcycles, and RV’s. If you have any questions about what you can donate, please call 1-855-920-0978.
Vehicles donated will benefit the Friends of PBS Wisconsin, Inc., a nonprofit classified with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are tax deductible. For more information, see A Donor’s Guide to Vehicle Donations (pdf)
We will need a signed, clear title, free of all liens. If there is a lien listed on the front of the title, please include the original lien release. If you do not have a title, please call our donation department at 1-855-920-0978. Our title specialists can usually help obtain a duplicate title from your local motor vehicle department.
Please call our donation department at 1-855-920-0978. Our title specialists can usually help obtain a duplicate title from your local motor vehicle department
The vehicles are sold at private auction. The proceeds are used to support PBS Wisconsin. Funds from vehicle donations help the station acquire and produce quality educational and entertainment programs and support our outreach efforts in the community.
Yes, under the new tax law effective in 2005, people who donate vehicles to charities can claim the actual amount for which the vehicle sells at auction.
Yes, you will be mailed a receipt that shows the amount your donated vehicle brought in at Auction or $500, whichever is greater. You should expect to have your receipt of sale about four to eight weeks after you donate your vehicle.
Many factors can contribute to the final selling price of any vehicle, including the make, model and year of your car, along with any mechanical or physical damage to the vehicle that could affect its value. PBS Wisconsin’s vehicle donation representatives cannot guarantee the final selling price, which is your charitable contribution to the Friends of PBS Wisconsin, Inc.
Yes! We accept vehicle donations of all conditions. Your vehicle doesn’t need to run but you will need proof of ownership.
Often it takes four weeks from the moment your vehicle is picked up to the time PBS Wisconsin receives notification of your donation. Then, it can take another two to four weeks to complete your membership and send your first issue of Airwaves. It should arrive within six to eight weeks from the date you donate your vehicle to the Friends of PBS Wisconsin, Inc. If you are currently a member and it’s time to renew, your vehicle donation will renew your membership.
We will arrange to have your vehicle towed away on a scheduled date previously agreed upon with you. We will NOT pick up a vehicle without first contacting you.
Please complete and submit our Vehicle Donation Form or call us at 1-855-920-0978.
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