Grants for the Purchase of a Car
by Lucy Bowles
You may have decided you need a new car to get to work or school, but you're unsure of how you'll be able to afford one. If you have limited funds to purchase a car, there are several resources to assist you. There are organizations that donate used automobiles and provided discounts on purchase price. In addition, state and local government programs award grants for individuals to purchase fuel-efficient green cars.
Opportunity Cars
Opportunity Cars is an organization that allows owners to donate their vehicles. In turn, more than 150 nonprofit organizations provide cars to individuals for a reduced purchase price, or in some instances for free. This program's goal is to grant cars to low-wage families and financially needy individuals to sustain employment. Visit the Opportunity Cars website to find a program near you.
opportunitycars.com
Good News Garage
Lutheran Social Services runs the program Good News Garage. Unlike other donation programs, Good News Garage repairs their vehicles before selling them. The program grants $1,500 to $2,000 to assist individuals in purchasing used cars. Good News Garage repairs and sells used vehicles on the market at a nominal price of $3,500 and higher. Good News Garage guarantees that cars purchased with the grant can last from 12 to 18 months with maintenance. Programs can be found in Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and a few other states.
877-448-3288
goodnewsgarage.org
Wheels to Work
Wheels to Work is a program that is run by Good Will Industries. Good Will accepts donated cars and provides these vehicles for purchase at a lesser price. Participants who qualify for these affordable and reliable cars must demonstrate a need for transportation and enough financial stability to maintain the car. In addition, the individuals must have six to 12 months of current employment, have a referral from the local department of social services and have no drug or traffic violations. After obtaining the car, they must maintain their employment. For more information, you can contact your local Good Will store.
Good Will Industries, Inc.
Headquarters
15810 Indianola Dr.
Rockville, MD 20855
1-800-742-0187
goodwill.org
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Aternatie Fuel Rebates
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition funds the Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Alternative Fuel Rebate program. This program grants up to $4,000 for the purchase of green or alternative-fuel automobiles. Cars must use a correct fuel to be eligible for the grant. Correct fuels include diesel blends with 20-percent bio-diesel, propane, E85, electricity and hydrogen. Only hybrid electric cars sold in Illinois dealerships will be considered for the rebate.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
217-546-5007
epa.state.il.us
California, City of Vacaville Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle and Infrastructure Grant
The city of Vacaville in California provides grants for individuals to buy new battery electric green cars, plug-in hybrid green cars and natural gas (CNG) vehicles. For example, this program allows you to purchase or lease a Honda Civic GX at a reduced purchase price. Contact the city of Vacaville for an exact reduction percentage for your circumstances.
707-448-5245
cityofvacaville.com
References
Writer Bio
Lucy Bowles is an avid freelance writer from Indianapolis. She has written for various websites since 2009. As a certified paralegal Bowles has worked in the areas of business, intellectual property and entertainment law. She has a bachelor's degree in history and a minor in legal studies from Indiana University.
