Ocean Institute

Environmental Causes

The Ocean Institute, founded in 1977, is a community-based 501(c)(3) organization that educates 100,000 children, teachers, parents, and visitors annually through over 60 marine science and maritime history programs. They are located on 2.4 acres in the Dana Point Harbor; adjacent to a Marine Life Conservation Area. The facility is an ocean education center that offers in-depth Marine Science, Maritime History and Outdoor Education programs. The Institute includes state-of-the-art teaching labs, the spectacular Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, two historic tall ships, and an oceanographic research vessel. Immersion-based field trips range from one-hour science labs to multi-day programs at sea and at the Lazy W Ranch, in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning. A car donation to Ocean Institute supports their mission to use the ocean as a classroom and inspire children to learn!

Three Simple Steps.

Call Us,
or Go Online

Takes 3 minutes.

We Schedule
a Pickup

...at your earliest convenience.

You Receive a Tax Deduction

...and your favorite charity benefits from your generosity.

What are our donors saying?

2002 Yamaha G22E

SPCA got more value

"I had no use for this golf cart so I'm happy I was able to support the SPCA. Good work!"

Lennie P., Golf Cart Donation - Tehachapi, CA

Donation Benefitting:

2003 Toyota Corolla

Kitten Rescue got more value

"Same day pickup made it so easy -- and fast. Thanks!"

Lynda S., Car Donation - Studio City, CA

Donation Benefitting:

2012 Salem 29QBDS

Saddleback Church got more value

"Better tax deduction than the dealer price would've been, and same or more to charity. Hassle free, great!"

Letty J., Trailer Donation - Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Donation Benefitting:

2002 Mazda Protege 5

Childhood Leukemia Foundation got more value

"I'm glad someone new can enjoy this car as

much as I did. Thankful the car wasn't sent to

auction or a salvage yard."

Chris S., Car Donation - Fullerton, CA

Donation Benefitting:

2000 Subaru Forester S

KQED Public Radio got more value

"I am just so happy that Cars2Charities was able

to sell the car for that much. That way I could

support KQED Public Broadcasting and get

myself an excellent tax deduction."

Mark E., Car Donation - Redwood City, CA

Donation Benefitting:

2004 Honda VTX 1800N

Schwab Charitable Fund got more value

"Glad you could help me put the funds into a self-directed Charity Trust!"

Ronald L., Motorcycle Donation - Santa Monica, CA

Donation Benefitting:

1997 BMW M3

Make-A-Wish got more value

"Wow, that's great … my rating? A 10."

Douglas H., Car Donation - Salinas, CA

Donation Benefitting:

donate-car-arthritis-national-research-foundation (1)

2001 Volvo V40

Arthritis National Research Foundation got more value

"Love supporting Arthritis National Research this way."

Emily H., Car Donation - San Carlos, CA

Donation Benefitting:

2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Humane Society got more value

"I'm pleased with how fast I was able to donate my car. And the sale price!"

Robert F., SUV Donation - Anaheim, CA

Donation Benefitting:

2001 Ford Focus Wagon

Kitten Rescue got more value

"Wow, that's amazing! I'm grateful that this was a hassle-free process for us."

Tom L., Car Donation - Los Angeles, CA

Donation Benefitting:

Ocean Institute

Three Simple Steps.

Call Us,or Go Online

We Schedulea Pickup

You Receive a Tax Deduction

What are our donors saying?

Start vehicle donation.

Call Us,
or Go Online

We Schedule
a Pickup