Applicants

Creating a brighter future with our vehicle assistance program.

Our 2026 Application window opens 3/1/26.

  • “With Cars for Keeps, you get a family and a sense of love and security. You get a blanket of help that is there to hold you up and support you when you are in the middle of it all. You don’t just get a car with Cars for Keeps, you get a family, a prayer partner, and accountability to change your life.”

    Jazmyn / Fall ‘23 Recipient

  • “I’m able to get to and from work in a timely manner, and no longer have to worry about being late and losing my job. I am also able to get my family to appointments on time and have been able to attend church on a regular basis. We also no longer have to worry about walking in bad weather. Thank you!”

    Priscilla / Spring ‘24 Recipient

  • “My family has been blessed by Cars for keeps In several areas. My teen boys are all in sports and now we can make games and practices, I’m able to pick up overtime with the time saved from not riding the bus and we can take fishing trips/family time when possible!”

    Chrystal / Spring ‘24 Recipient

We’re looking for hardworking and driven people who want to build a better future.


We know how important a dependable vehicle is to individuals and families fighting to remain financially stable. Any unplanned need—like a car breaking down—can greatly affect monetary goals and plans.

Our vehicle assistance program not only supplies you with reliable transportation, but also provides a Budgeting Basics course, a lease-to-own system that fits within your budget, and the opportunity to fight financial, mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and relational poverty through vehicle ownership.

The best candidates for the program are dedicated individuals who are willing to put in the work to ensure a brighter future for years to come.

 

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

Applicants

The Process

Submit an Application
Complete and submit an application during the designated application window.

Budget Review
All approved applicants participate in a 30-day budget review to help determine affordable lease payments and the success of repayment.

Approval Process
A selection committee reviews all applications and approves recipients based on the following criteria:

  • Work History
  • Level of Need
  • Ability to Make Lease Payments

Needs and Cost Meeting
Recipients are notified and scheduled for a needs and cost meeting. This allows us to gather information to purchase a vehicle that fits both their needs and budget.

Vehicle Secured & Lease Signed
Once a vehicle is secured (Up to 8 weeks) and the lease is signed, the recipient receives their vehicle.

To apply for the program, applicants must:

  • 9 months of continual employment - Not self-employed, or rideshare services
  • Currently live in one of the following counties for at least one year.
    • Tippecanoe, White, Carroll, Clinton, Boone, Montgomery, Fountain, Warren, or Benton County
  • Have a legal Indiana driver’s license

  • Have a steady monthly household income sufficient to cover an auto payment, insurance, and other automotive expenses
  • Have no criminal activity for at least 3 years or a graduate of Through the Gate or Trinity Life Ministry.
  • Be a U.S. citizen

  • Meet gross household income levels 
Our 2026 Application will be available for download on 2/10/26. We begin accepting applications on 3/1/26.

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Applicants
 

Owning a reliable vehicle, hard work, and determination will help forge a path to success.