Email us at thefirstcarprojectky@gmail.com with additional questions
Every contribution helps foster youth gain freedom, opportunity, and a fresh start behind the wheel.
Whether you give funds, vehicles, or services—you're fueling the journey to independence.
Join our monthly donor list and remember that small gifts add up when everyone does it. High fives add up to life changing rides.
Gifts up to $499
Kickstart a youth’s journey with essentials like gas cards, basic car care, or early support.
$500–$999 or in-kind services
Help fill the tank—literally. Support repairs, insurance, and training sessions.
$1,000–$2,499 or vehicle services
Keep youth moving with tires, maintenance, or partial vehicle donations.
$2,500–$9,999 or full vehicle donation
Change a life by delivering the keys to freedom, mentorship, and more.
$10,000+ or lifetime gifts
Leave a legacy that drives generations of youth forward.
Applications open March 2026. Once you apply, your application stays active for the entire year.
That means if you aren’t selected at the first Key Ceremony, you’ll automatically be considered for all 2026 vehicle giveaways—no need to reapply.
You may apply if you meet all of the following criteria:
If selected, you will be required to:
We’re happy to help!
Email us anytime at apply@thefirstcarproject.com
The Foundation for Success (FFS) Training is a required program designed to help recipients feel confident, prepared, and supported as new car owners.
The training covers practical life skills such as:
FFS is not a test—and there’s no “pass or fail.” It’s a supportive, educational experience created to set participants up for success both on and off the road.
Completion of the Foundation for Success Training is required after selection and before receiving a vehicle.
The Key Ceremony is a meaningful community celebration where selected recipients officially receive the keys to their vehicle.
Prior to the ceremony, recipients, TFCP team members, and passion partners typically gather for a shared meal. This time is used to:
During the Key Ceremony, recipients:
Key Ceremonies take place in Louisville, KY, and transportation assistance is available if needed. Attendance is required.
The Key Ceremony represents more than receiving a car—it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to support young people transitioning out of foster care.
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, initial maintenance and repairs on donated vehicles, and registration taxes and fees for the first year. 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 a foster youth but we can sell it for scrap.
If you have ANY questions if your car qualifies to donate, please reach out to us at donate@thefirstcarproject.com
The First Car Project operates in the state of Kentucky only.
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
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