Applicants

Creating a brighter future with our affordable vehicle ownership program.

We are accepting 2026 applications. 

  • “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

  • “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

We’re looking for hardworking and driven people committed to building a better future.


A dependable vehicle is often the key to maintaining employment, supporting a family, and achieving long-term financial stability. Without reliable transportation, even the most motivated individuals can face barriers to opportunity, career growth, and financial progress.

Cars for Keeps helps employed individuals and families achieve reliable transportation through an affordable lease-to-own vehicle program. Participants complete financial education, budgeting review, and accountability requirements designed to support long-term success and vehicle ownership.

Our program is designed for hardworking people who are committed to maintaining employment, making affordable lease payments, and building a stronger future for themselves and their families.

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.

Before You Apply

  • Cars for Keeps is an affordable lease-to-own vehicle program.

  • Vehicles are not provided for free.

  • Applicants must have qualifying employment income.

  • All applications go through a review and approval process.

  • Vehicle placement depends on approval and vehicle availability and may take several weeks.

To apply for the program, applicants must:

  • Applicants must currently be employed and have at least 9 consecutive months of employment history with verifiable income.
    • This program is designed for individuals employed in traditional W-2 positions. Self-employment and contract work are not accepted.
  • 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 no felony convictions 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 

Limit 2000 Characters


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Cars for Keeps, PO BOX 327, Battle Ground, IN, 47920. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Applicants
 

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