Donating a used car to WBEZ: How your donation helps keep us on the air.
Whether you got a new car, can’t afford to store the unused one, or want to free up space, you can donate it to benefit WBEZ. Each car donation helps WBEZ provoke thought, entertain, capture emotion, and inspire community members in Chicago and beyond.
You can help support Illinois’ favorite public media station, whether you live in Chicago or are one of our listeners in Wisconsin, Indiana, or Michigan. WBEZ’s vehicle donation program makes donating a car easy!
Supporting trusted news and community growth: What a car donation means for WBEZ.
Every car donation helps keep WBEZ broadcasting going strong. We have had a legacy of innovation throughout our history as the birthplace of the most iconic shows in public media. This includes shows such as This American Life, Serial, and Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me. You can help spread quality WBEZ programming and clear up space at the same time by donating a car. WBEZ of Chicago is:
• A magnet for the best talent.
• A creative force in media, with original content across platforms.
• A beloved institution that exudes the texture and unique sense of place that is Chicago and the greater Midwest.
• A vital, indispensable source of enterprising news and information that drives civic conversation and engages a much larger, more diverse audience than ever before.
• A part of NPR’s global newsgathering service that provides unmatched reporting from journalists across the country and around the world. NPR is the largest producer and distributor of public radio content in the U.S. and one of the most-listened-to and respected media organizations in the nation.
Make a difference in Chicago by donating a car to WBEZ.
WBEZ’ Vehicle donation program makes donating a car easy! Call 855-WBEZ-CAR (855-923-9227) or submit the online vehicle donation form. One of our expert Donor Representatives will contact you within 48 hours to complete the donation. Most vehicles can be picked up within 72 hours of completing the donation. Best of all, the pick-up is free, and vehicle donations are tax-deductible! To learn more about the tax benefits of a vehicle donation, check out the IRS page about vehicle donations.
We accept all types of vehicles:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your Hours of Operation?
5 a.m. – 7 p.m. (PT), Mon – Fri
6 a.m. – 5 p.m. (PT), Saturday
7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (PT), Sunday
What are the benefits of donating my car to WBEZ?
• Donating is easy and the pick-up is free.
• Donating skips the costs and hassles associated with selling a car, like paying for advertising and insurance, or for repairs to keep your car in running condition while you wait for a buyer.
• Donating avoids the costs associated with keeping a car, such as registration, insurance, and repairs.
• You can free up space at home or stop paying for extra parking.
• It's better than a low trade-in offer.
• Vehicle donations are tax-deductible, and you could reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized.
• Donating to WBEZ helps bring high-quality programming and content to community members in Chicago, Kenosha, Gary, Benton Harbor, and more.
Can you pick up vehicles in all 50 states?
• Yes! Our vehicle donation program can provide quick and convenient vehicle pick-up and towing just about anywhere in all 50 states. If you are outside of Illinois, and have questions about donating to WBEZ, please contact us via our secure online vehicle donation form or call us toll-free at 855-WBEZ-CAR (855-923-9227). We are available seven days a week during regular hours of operation.
Does my car have to be registered?
• This varies from state to state, so give us a call at 855-WBEZ-CAR (855-923-9227). We will confirm the state requirements for you. Each Vehicle Donor Service Representative is equipped with a 50-state guide for the steps necessary in each state and will advise you of these steps during the donation process.
Still have questions about donating a car? Check out our FAQ page, or contact us directly. Our Vehicle Donor Support Team is available seven days a week at 855-WBEZ-CAR (855-923-9227) or via email at donorsupport@careasy.org to answer your questions.