Ford Expands Test Drive Fundraiser From Schools To Nonprofits

DEARBORN -- Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) and its dealers Wednesday announced a new program called Drive 4 UR Community, which is designed to help raise much needed funding for local community groups and nonprofit organizations.

Ford said Drive 4 UR Community is similar to Ford's Drive 4 UR School initiative, which has raised more than $12 million for local schools since its inception in 2007.

For each Drive 4 UR Community event, Ford dealers will team up with a local nonprofit organization to schedule a test drive fundraising event. The dealers will provide the cars to be test-driven and work together with the nonprofit groups to organize and publicize the event. For every valid test drive completed, Ford Motor Company will donate $20 to the participating nonprofit or community group, up to a maximum of $6,000.

"The Drive 4 UR Community program is a great example of how Ford dealers can go further in their communities to help local charities raise needed funds for a cause," said David Mondragon, manager, Ford U.S. Marketing. "This initiative exemplifies 'people serving people,' which is a key pillar of Ford's global brand promise." 

Not only is the program a win for local nonprofits, but it also provides consumers with an opportunity to sample the latest Ford models, says Mondragon.

"It's a win for both because we donate $20 per test drive to the event while introducing our new lineup of great cars, trucks and SUVs to consumers who are there to support the cause," he said. "And many of the people who attend the fundraisers may not have had the opportunity to drive a Ford before."

Ford dealers may register now for a Drive 4 UR Community event at https://drive4urcommunity.com/. Each dealer will be provided with a preapproved list of national organizations and guidelines to follow when selecting a nonprofit. Fundraising events may be scheduled from September to December of 2012.