I work for a church. How would I go about getting a bus donated to us for free?

Question

I don't know where to look, or who to ask. We would love to have someone donate any type of public transportation vehicle to us. School buses, public transit buses, even a shuttle would be nice.

Answer 1

You have to pick a target and shoot for it. Nothing will come to you if you don't do anything.

Find out which organizations runs the buses you would *want* to have, and then send them a letter requesting an old vehicle donation, and make sure to present your church non-profit org status (and if donating to you is tax deductible, even better).

Basically, be proactive about it. If you want a shuttle, look at who would have such vehicles nearby, and send them a letter asking if they have an old vehicle they'd want to donate. If you want a school bus, ask the school board / school district. If you want a transit bus, check the local transit agency / transit district. You get the idea.

The larger the fleet, the more likely they will have older vehicles sitting there doing nothing, and thus available for donation. This means school board / transit agency.

Additional note: in terms of cost, motorcoaches > transit bus > school bus > minibus

Thus, be realistic. Nobody is going to give a 100K motorcoach to a tiny church with congregation of 100. Ask for something appropriate. Even 10 year old coaches are worth $80K. Heck, I've seen some 15 year old coaches worth $45K and more. School buses are much cheaper, and minibuses can be found on eBay for just thousands.

Answer 2

Where I come from in Ireland Buses have been Donated by Businesses like Pubs , Hotels , Turf Accountants that is Bookies, Sports Clubs, Or you could Organise Raffles and Dances ,Hold Dances and Sell Raffle Tickets at these Dances. Hold Pub Quizzes. Businesses that Donate Buses have the Acknowledgements of there Donation written on the side and thus have there Business advertised, and People think they are a great Company for making the Donation.Buses and Ambulances for Wheelchair Organisations and Old Folk Organisations to help them get around have been Donated by Taximen and Pubs. It might be a slow Process depending on the Goodwill of your Town and your Ingenuity. Dont forget if a Company decides to Sponsor a Bus for you it can usually be Deductable off there Tax if a Charity.Good Luck to you.

Answer 3

This is not easy, and will take a lot of groundwork also depends a lot on the popularity of your church. You can try the like of Ford UK. They have a charity section to their plant. I went to see them when I was doing the same, It was easier since I lived in Bridgend. One of their main engine plants, So try a Bus manufacturer and talk with the public liaison manager.
Another way is to join up with a disabled charity who also needs drivers, they don't always need the buses so much on a Sunday if that is your worship day, You may then bring some disabled people who may want to come but did not know they could, as long as the church is able to have access to wheelchairs, a great public service, and good way of knowing people who are sometimes left out by some churches. (Gateway, would be a good contact) talk to local companies in your area some will fund a minibus.
You also need to have this well talked out with your church members and elders or leaders, there will be some against this. since even a free bus costs a lot of money to run, insurance is very high, maintenance of a public carrying vehicle has to be proved, who is the person liable for all this? do you know the regulations? where will it be kept? on road is very liable for theft, ask Luanda Evangelical church, every week they had one of three stolen, the police got fed up with them.
Is this really necessary? will it be used during the week, will it be open for the use of church members?
Before you think of getting a bus you must know what you are doing, and the church must be able to know what is available to them, or what is not, so they or the people responsible are not asked that awkward question, can I borrow the bus today!
The people you ask will ask the same questions, since they don't give a bus unless this is all answered, since it is a waste.
I was in transport, I was involved in church work, any advice you may need you can ask to my E. mail since I can not cover all in a short answer. I am still linked to a large Church with a Kindergarten and school. we run mini buses everyday. But I am not in the U.K. or U.S. regulations differ from place to place. I.E seat-belts attendant may be needed under for 16
make sure your driver has some one with them, important, and what needs to be on the bus as equipment regulations.
The best of regards to you. you have a hard job there. we also will pray for you.

Answer 4

I am looking for some one to donate bus to my church we need one so bad can we get some help.

Answer 5

Best way would be to start approaching the bus operators in your area.

Also, contacting the American Bus Association, Motor Coach Canada, and Ontario Motor Coach Association asking them if they can put you in touch with someone willing to donate a coach (especially if your church can issue them a tax receipt for the donation).

Another idea is to put an ad in BusRide magazine.

Answer 6

there's a lot of ways to do this ,you can run a free add in the paper ,and put in it all the needed information,or check around at some car lots that may have one,if they donate one to the church they,ll get a tax break on it,also call the school board and ask them they may have an older bus that they have retired,often they re-new them, you,ll be able to get one donated ,just finding one may be the problem,don't give up hope there's lots of them out there ,once you find one I'm sure you get someone to donate it to the church,that's a worthy cause,and people like helping out on things like this,good luck on it.