Car Grants for Students - Government Grants News

Car Grants for Students – Having a car can be a convenient way to help the student to get to school. However, convenience alone is not enough of a reason to ask for car grants for students. Stronger reasons should be applied, such as the unavailability of public transportation, disability, etc. Car grants for students are extremely rare, with lots of people searching for it.

That being said, do you know that there are other ways for you to get yourself a car besides the grant program? Aside from the extremely rare grant, there are basically two other ways for you to get a car of your own.

Auto Grants for College Students

Here are some auto grants available for college students:

Car Loan for Low Income Adult Students

The first (and the most) possible way to afford a car is through a loan program. What we’re talking about here is not your common car loan. There are some loans that can be used by people who have limited income, which can be used to purchase second-hand cars.

For example, in Maine, there’s a program called the Good Wheels Loan Program, which is available for adult students, low-income people, and TANF recipient. To be eligible, you need to have a referral from your social agency. The amount of money you will get is around $5,000. This is a soft loan, meaning that you will still have to repay the debt, but with a much reasonable tenor and also interest rate compared to your typical car loan. There are a bunch of other similar programs available throughout the United States, including your city!

Another loan program that you may be able to use is the More than Wheels program, which is also known as the Bonnie CLAC program. The program requires the applicants to complete a course of financial literacy and budget counseling, and it is only available for low-income residents who are not qualified for a loan.

Meanwhile, there are the Vehicles for Change program, which is provided for people who are referred by their social agency worker. There’s an orientation class required, and each recipient will receive 6 months warranty. Beware if you are a Muslim with the interest rate, its riba, and its haram!

Car Donation for Students

Here’s another great options available: car donation programs. Depending on your situation, you may be able to get a donated car. A typical program that provides such a service will give you second-hand cars for eligible people. Needless to say, the car is fixed beforehand so that it is up and running. The program will give cars for various purposes, including employment, medical purposes, and school purposes. One program that fits this description is the Good News Garage Program, which is available is several states such as Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, etc.

There are other programs, of course. For example, the Free2B Program in Minnesota, which is available for low-income parents with dependent children who are not eligible for assistance through other agencies. The car can be used to go to college. Another similar program is the 1-800-Charity Cars, which may be able to provide donated cars for various audiences, which may include low-income students with special considerations.

When you are searching for a donated car, it is important not to call them and a plea for help right away. You need to understand that there are hundreds of people searching for the same thing you’re looking for. It is best to complete and submit your application using the form they provide, and then wait.

Last but not least, we have found a document source from our government about the available program for a vehicle loan, purchase and donation programs that are available for low-income families, including students. You can find the link to the pdf files from our reference section below. We hope that this can satisfy your search for students’ car grants.

How to Apply for Car Grants

If you’re seeking free cars for college students, begin by exploring organizations like Cash4College, Free Charity Cars, and Goodwill Industries. Each has its own criteria and application process, so research thoroughly before applying. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Provide all necessary information and documents when applying.
This may include proof of income, academic records, and recommendation letters.
Be honest and clear in your application, as organizations often conduct background checks and request references.

Eligibility

To qualify for free cars for college students, you need to meet specific criteria:

Age and Driving Record: You must be at least 18 years old and have a clean driving record. It’s also essential to be a US citizen.
Academic Performance: Some programs may require a certain GPA or academic standing.
Financial Need: Priority may be given to students with low-income backgrounds.
Community Involvement: Students who actively engage in community service and demonstrate commitment may receive preference.

Alternatives to Get Car Grants

While free cars can be a fantastic option for college students, they might not suit everyone’s needs. Fortunately, there are alternative transportation options to explore:

Car-sharing services such as Zipcar and Car2Go allow you to rent a car for short periods, offering flexibility without the commitment of ownership.
Public transportation, like buses or trains, is another choice, although it can be time-consuming.
Cycling is a great way to get exercise while saving on transportation costs, offering both health benefits and environmental advantages.

Tips to Get Car Grants for Students

If you’re lucky to have a free car, it’s crucial to take care of it and use it responsibly. Here are some tips:

Regular maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations, ensures the car runs smoothly and saves money by preventing expensive repairs.
Practice safe driving habits, such as wearing seatbelts and following traffic rules, to prioritize everyone’s safety on the road.
Use the car wisely, only driving when needed, considering carpooling to save on gas and reduce wear and tear, and avoiding unnecessary trips that could strain the car and waste resources.

Disadvantages of Car Grants for Students

Free cars for college students come with a set of drawbacks alongside their benefits. Here are a few to consider:

Getting a car initially can be costly, factoring in expenses like insurance and maintenance.
Owning a car demands responsibility, from driving safely to keeping up with maintenance.
For some students, having a car might not make sense given their location and transportation requirements.

Summary

College students have several ways to get a free car if they meet certain criteria. Having one can save money, offer flexibility, improve academic performance, and enhance safety. However, owning a car also means taking care of it responsibly.

If you don’t have access to a free car, alternatives like car-sharing, public transportation, or biking are available. Regardless of your choice, prioritize safety and responsibility. We hope this article has been helpful.

References:

Car Ownership Programs for Low-Income Earners – https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/disability.htm
Cars and Car Repairs for Low Income Families – https://angiesangelhelpnetwork.com/help-for-low-income-families/cars-for-low-income-families/
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