Applicants
How do I apply to receive a vehicle?
You must first be referred to our organization by a reputable social service agency, organization, or church. Once we have received a referral for you we will send you a full application. For more details please see the Applying for a Vehicle page.
What are the criteria applicants must have?
Applicants must show a real need for a vehicle, have a stable lifestyle, have a valid driver's license, and have the ability to insure and maintain the vehicle.
How long will I have to wait to receive a vehicle?
Wait times are dependent on the length of the waiting list and the rate of donated vehicles. Typical wait times are anywhere from 12 - 18 months.
Why was my application denied?
GearHeads will deny an application for several reasons. Primarily, an application is denied if:
- The applicant does not have a valid license
- The applicant does not have the ability to license and insure the vehicle (no income or expenses far exceed income)
- The applicant lives outside the GearHeads service area (25-mile radius around Cedar Falls)
Additionally, an application may be denied if:
- The applicant owns a working vehicle
- The applicant has the ability to save for and purchase a vehicle themselves
- The applicant provided false information
- The applicant did not go through the GearHeads referral process
GearHeads cannot serve everyone and makes every attempt to ensure vehicles are being provided to those most in need.
Donors
What is the benefit to me of donating my vehicle?
Without donations of vehicles GearHeads cannot continue to aid those in need. Given the 501(c)(3) status of GearHeads your donation is tax-deductible. GearHeads provides you with a tax receipt and you determine the value of the vehicle you donated, up to reasonable high retail.
How do you decide what to do with the vehicle I donate?
After we perform a 27-point inspection on the vehicle our volunteer mechanics work with our Administrative Director to determine the best course of action for the vehicle. Factors such as needed repairs, cost of repairs, value of the vehicle, and expected life span of the vehicle contribute to the decision. Ultimately, a vehicle will be given to a family in need, sold to provide operating capital, or salvaged for parts.
General
How is GearHeads funded?
GearHeads relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations to fund its efforts. Be it a donation of vehicles, parts, shop supplies, in-kind labor, or funds, GearHeads would not be able to assist as many families in need if not for the support of its donors.
How do you decide who gets what vehicle?
GearHeads has a rigorous application process, during which the needs of the recipient are identified. GearHeads makes every effort to provide a suitable vehicle to meet a recipient's needs. Many of our minivans go to single mothers who need the space and convenience of the van, while many of our sedans find a home with couples or families with older children.
What is the average age and mileage of the vehicles donated to GearHeads?
Averaging the numbers from 2010-2013 (4 years) the average year of manufacture is 1996 and the average mileage is 136,862 of vehicles donated to GearHeads.
What is the make breakdown of donated vehicles?
Over the course of four years (2010-2013) the following have been donated to GearHeads:
- Buick: 6
- Cadillac: 3
- Chevrolet: 15
- Chrysler: 13
- Dodge: 12
- Ford: 17
- GEO: 1
- GMC: 1
- Honda: 2
- Hyundai: 1
- Jeep: 2
- Mazda: 1
- Mercury: 2
- Nissan: 1
- No Record: 1
- Plymouth: 4
- Pontiac: 2
- Saturn: 2