At Rev Up Local, we recognize that donating your car is a significant decision, and it’s natural to have concerns about where your contribution goes. Our commitment to transparency means you can trust that your vehicle donation will have a lasting impact on our community. On this page, we will break down how every dollar from your car donation is allocated and the meaningful outcomes it generates.
We believe that transparency should be the norm in charitable giving. That’s why we provide detailed insights into the auction process and the flow of proceeds to our partner nonprofits. By illustrating the net amount reaching the charity and the program expenses involved, we aim to empower you with the information you need to feel confident in your donation decision.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Rev Up Local is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity.
- 70-80% of car auction proceeds reach our partner nonprofits.
- After fees, a typical $1,500 vehicle sale nets $1,050-$1,200 for charity.
- Our partner nonprofits have a program expense ratio of 75% or higher.
- Impact is measured in program outputs like meals and shelter nights, not just dollars.
- We are registered with the Missouri Attorney General’s office for charity oversight.
How it works, step by step
Vehicle Donation
You donate your vehicle through our simple online form or by calling us. We handle all the logistics, including towing and paperwork.
Auction Sale
Once your vehicle is picked up, it’s auctioned through our trusted network. After the sale, we deduct tow, storage, and auction fees.
Net Proceeds Calculation
From the gross auction sale, typically 70-80% of the proceeds are allocated to our partner nonprofit to support their programs.
Fund Allocation
The funds received by our partner nonprofits are directed toward their specific programs, ensuring they can maximize their community impact.
Measurable Impact
We track the outcomes of these funds, measuring success in tangible terms like meals served or shelter nights provided, connecting your donation to real-world benefits.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Pub78 Lookup
How: You can verify our tax-exempt status by searching our name on the IRS Pub78 list, where registered charities are publicly listed.
✓ Charity Navigator
How: Check our ratings and reviews on Charity Navigator, which evaluates the financial health and transparency of nonprofits.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: The Missouri Attorney General's office maintains a registry of charities, and you can search to confirm our registration and compliance.
✓ Form 990 Retrieval
How: You can view our Form 990 filings, which detail our financial operations, available on sites like GuideStar and the IRS.
✓ Better Business Bureau
How: Visit the Better Business Bureau website to review our accreditation status and any consumer feedback or complaints.
Real impact, real numbers
Consider a vehicle sold for $1,500 at auction. After necessary fees, our charity receives around $1,050-$1,200. With a program expense ratio of 75%, this translates into approximately $790-$900 funding direct programs. That means your donation can help provide over 300 meals for families at a local food bank or support 10-15 shelter nights for individuals experiencing homelessness at our housing partner.
St. Louis oversight
In St. Louis, we pride ourselves on being part of a vibrant community dedicated to helping those in need. The Missouri Attorney General oversees charitable organizations to ensure compliance and protect donors. If you ever have concerns, you can file a complaint through the Attorney General's office. Additionally, local consumer protection resources are available to assist you in verifying the legitimacy of charitable giving.