Frequently Asked Questions

APPLY NOW!  Applications open until April 30th!

To be eligible: 

-Kentucky resident

-In Foster Care at 18 or older

-Aged out of Foster Care and between the ages of 18-23

-Have a full driver's license

-High School Diploma or GED

-Never Owned a Vehicle

-Employed or enrolled in post-secondary educational program and receiving financial aid

-Complete The Foundation for Success ("FFS") training (Training provided after selection!)

-Attend the Key Ceremony at Cars in the Commonwealth on July 26, 2025.

Email thefirstcarprojectky@gmail.com with any questions.

Each year, thousands of young adults age out of foster care, often without the support systems many take for granted. For these youth, a car isn't just a convenience, it’s a lifeline to education, employment, and independence. Our mission is to provide a life-changing resource: their first car. Beyond the vehicle, we also cover essentials such as insurance, repairs for donated cars, and initial registration taxes and fees.  This comprehensive approach eliminates barriers, empowering young people to build brighter futures.  The First Car Project is a 501(c)3, nonprofit and your donations go directly to helping us reach as many young adults as we can. 

Thank you for considering donating your car! We have a few options when it comes to accepting cars. 

1. Your car is in good condition, may need some minor maintenance, and has a clean title? Awesome. It may be a perfect fit for one of our recipients. Please disclose any wrecks or known issues when donating.

2. You want to give us your Lamborghini? INCREDIBLE. While not all cars are the right car for a new driver, we still want them. We can sell the vehicle and use the funds towards the right cars for our mission. 

3. Your mechanic told you to give up on your car and stop throwing cash at it.  ... it's probably not going to work for us but we can sell it for scrap. 

If you have ANY questions if your car qualifies to donate, please reach out to us at thefirstcarprojectky@gmail.com

The First Car Project operates in the state of Kentucky only. 

Passion Partners are individuals or businesses that donate $500 or more, donate a vehicle, or donate services or parts to ensure the vehicle is safe and ready for donation to our recipients. We can't do this without our amazing Passion Partners!

The First Car Project operates through partnerships with local car shops, detailing services, dealerships, and private donors to provide a safe and functioning car to Kentucky foster youth each year. We work closely with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to ensure that the recipient of the car receives training in responsible car ownership and maintenance. 

Yes! The First Car Project is a CHARITABLE 501(C)(3) TAX-EXEMPT NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION. FEDERAL TAX ID: 93-4822175

We use Zeffy to collect donations. Zeffy does not charge nonprofits for the fees instead they add an additional amount to your donation to help support their platform. This amount is not required and you can change to zero if you'd like by hitting the "other" tab. Thank you for your support!

RAD Revival is an event hosted by our Passion Partners: RCR Events & SueDistractedDriver.com. It is a celebration of everything RAD from the 80's and 90s! Cars, Culture, Candy, Music BMX and More! We are so thankful to have a booth and share our mission at this event. Join us as we hand over the keys to our fall recipient!  Find out more about the event here or email us with questions! Key Ceremony is at 6 pm on 11/1/2025! 

Public parking at 712 Vine Street Louisville, KY

Cars in the Commonwealth is an event hosted by our Passion Partners: RCR Events & SueDistractedDriver.com. It is a car show festival at the famous Hermitage Farms in Goshen, KY.  The event is charity focused and we are thankful to be able to share our mission with a booth at the event and the platform to hand over the keys to our recipients in front of thousands of potential donors, partners, and supporters. The 2025 event will be held on July 26th from 12-5pm.