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Donate Ford: Automobiles Benefiting Local Make-A-Wish Kids

If you're looking to make a big difference for local organizations like Make-A-Wish, your Ford can make that happen.

Why Donate Your Ford to Wheels For Wishes

We work directly with your local Make-A-Wish chapter, ensuring every dollar stays in your community. Free towing, paperwork guidance, and professional service make the entire process simple. Our auction expertise ensures your Ford reaches the right buyers, maximizing proceeds and creating the greatest impact for children who need hope most.

We understand you're not just giving away a car—you're giving a Ford. A vehicle from America's oldest automaker should continue serving communities through thoughtful programs like Make-A-Wish. Opportunities to give at this level don't come around often, so choose a program you can trust to address the real needs of families and youth in your area.

Ready to turn your Ford into wishes? Contact us today at 1-855-278-9474 or visit our car donation form.

Support Local Make-A-Wish Kids With A Ford Donation

When you give your Ford to Wheels For Wishes, you're transforming American-built reliability into life-changing experiences for local children facing critical illnesses. These vehicles generate meaningful auction proceeds that directly benefit your community's Make-A-Wish chapter, whether you're giving a current model or a classic from decades past.

Why Ford Donations Are Valuable

Ford earned its reputation by building vehicles that last. From the legendary 5.0L V8 that powered generations of Mustangs to the indestructible 7.3L PowerStroke diesel that defined heavy-duty capability, these automobiles are engineered for the long haul. That same toughness that kept your Ford running for years makes it valuable to buyers at auction—even with high mileage, these vehicles command strong prices because people trust Ford's proven durability.

The F-Series trucks perfectly illustrate this value retention. Ford F-150s consistently rank among vehicles with the slowest depreciation, with well-maintained examples holding exceptional resale value even after years of hard work. Whether it's an F-150, Explorer, Bronco, or Mustang, you're providing real funding that translates into wishes for kids.

Current Ford Models for Donation

Trucks

Trucks

Your F-150, Super Duty, Maverick, or Ranger can make a real difference for local children. The F-150—America's best-selling truck for decades—holds value exceptionally well thanks to its legendary reputation for capability and durability. Heavy-duty Super Duty models (F-250, F-350, F-450) bring premium proceeds at auction due to their commercial appeal and serious towing capacity.

The compact Maverick hybrid pickup offers exceptional fuel economy that attracts eco-conscious buyers, while the mid-size Ranger appeals to those seeking truck utility without full-size dimensions. A single Ford truck contribution could fund experiences ranging from music education programs to adventure wishes that create lasting memories for Make-A-Wish families.

SUVs & Crossovers

SUVs & Crossovers

Ford SUVs consistently rank among the most sought-after vehicles at auction, translating to high-value contributions. The Explorer—one of America's most popular three-row SUVs—along with the rugged Bronco and Bronco Sport, always find enthusiastic buyers. The new off-road Tremor trims on both Explorer and Bronco Sport attract adventure-focused shoppers.

The full-size Expedition brings exceptional value thanks to its spacious interior and serious towing capability, while the compact Escape offers multiple powertrain options including hybrid and plug-in variants. The electric Mustang Mach-E appeals to EV buyers seeking Ford's performance heritage in an electrified package. All these models help create magical moments for kids in your community.

Performance & Electric Vehicles

Performance & Electric Vehicles

The Mustang's legendary status makes it popular among collectors and enthusiasts. Whether you're giving a classic pony car or a current-generation model—from efficient EcoBoost variants to powerful GT and track-focused Dark Horse editions—these vehicles attract passionate buyers who appreciate automotive history.

The all-electric F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E represent Ford's electric future, and both command strong interest at auction from buyers seeking American-built EVs with genuine capability. The E-Transit commercial van appeals to businesses transitioning to electric fleets.

Classic & Discontinued Ford Models

1970s-1980s Classics

1970s-1980s Classics

Classic Fords hold special appeal for collectors and restoration enthusiasts. Vintage Mustangs from the Fox Body era (1979-1993) are climbing in value, while the original Bronco (1966-1996) has become an icon sought by off-road enthusiasts. Early F-Series trucks from the 1970s and 1980s, particularly high-boy 4x4 models, command impressive prices.

Classic sedans like the LTD, Granada, and Fairmont find buyers who appreciate Ford's full-size heritage. The Thunderbird personal luxury coupe, Torino muscle cars, and early Escort models all find homes with enthusiasts. Even economy models like the Pinto and Fiesta contribute meaningful proceeds that help grant wishes for children facing serious illnesses.

1990s-2000s Models

1990s-2000s Models

Fords from the '90s and 2000s represent proven reliability and affordability. The Crown Victoria—beloved by law enforcement and taxi fleets—remains sought after for its durable body-on-frame construction and powerful V8. The Taurus, once America's best-selling car, generates solid proceeds especially in SHO high-performance variants.

Earlier generations of the Explorer, Expedition, F-150, Super Duty, Ranger, and Escape prove Ford's longevity—they retain value even with serious mileage. Dependable sedans like older Taurus and Focus models, first-generation Fusion sedans, and the versatile Freestyle crossover all generate proceeds that support local kids. The F-Series trucks from this era, particularly diesel-powered Super Duty models, command premium prices for their legendary durability.

Recently Discontinued

Recently Discontinued

Recently retired models like the iconic Flex crossover maintain strong followings among buyers who appreciate its distinctive boxy styling and spacious interior. The Fiesta ST hot hatch, Focus (including ST and RS performance variants), and Taurus X crossover all find buyers who value their unique character.

The Fusion sedan—discontinued in 2020—remains popular for its blend of efficiency and refinement. We evaluate every vehicle case-by-case, and Ford's reputation for building tough, long-lasting vehicles means even older, high-mileage models often retain enough value to transform lives in local wish communities.

How to Donate Your Ford

Our team is ready to answer your questions and provide thoughtful guidance for people seeking meaningful ways to give back. Ford owners who choose to help are local heroes in their communities, and Wheels For Wishes makes it simple to benefit Make-A-Wish families through a convenient three-step process:

Step One: Reach out by phone at 1-855-278-9474 or fill out our online donation form. We accept most Fords in most conditions on a case-by-case basis and we're here to answer any questions you have.

Step Two: Schedule free pickup whenever works best for you. We provide complimentary towing whether your Ford runs or not. Check out our optional vehicle donation checklist to get organized.

Step Three: Receive your tax-deductible receipt showing your Ford's final value, and take comfort knowing you're helping grant wishes for local children.

Ford Donation Value & Tax Deduction

Your tax benefit reflects what your Ford actually brings in. When it sells for over $500 at auction, your deduction equals that sale price—we'll send you IRS Form 1098-C with the exact amount.

We leverage years of auction experience and industry connections to get the best possible outcome for your vehicle. Ford's reputation as America's truck leader and SUV pioneer means consistent buyer interest, which translates to strong proceeds that become both your tax advantage and funding for Make-A-Wish programs throughout diverse communities.

If the final proceeds come in under $500, you can claim the fair market value or $500, whichever is less. Even an older, unwanted Ford can provide meaningful resources for families through Make-A-Wish's powerful programs.

The Purpose Your Ford Donation Funds

An Explorer or Escape might bring in $2,000-$5,000, covering a significant portion of a child's wish. An F-150 or Super Duty could generate $6,000-$20,000 or more—potentially funding an entire wish experience, sometimes even multiple wishes. Even older models with higher mileage often produce $500-$2,000 in proceeds, creating meaningful opportunities to grant life-changing experiences.

Wheels For Wishes has helped grant 14,469 wishes for local children. Your contribution helps organizations like Make-A-Wish fund trips to meet favorite athletes, bedroom transformations that provide comfort during treatment, theme park adventures families can enjoy together, and countless other experiences that lift spirits and improve outcomes for kids facing critical illnesses.

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CDF also runs the following programs:
Wheels for Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish®, Vehicles for Veterans benefiting disabled veterans, and Animal Car Donation benefiting animal rescue organizations.

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CDF's mission is to help these benefitting charities fulfill their missions with proceeds from CDF's car donation programs. CDF and all benefitting charities are separate and unaffiliated 501c organizations.
© 2009 - 2026 Wheels For Wishes (Car Donation Foundation)
A federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
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