Specialty license plates raise almost $7M for Arizona charities
Mar 9, 2016, 7:40 AM
(ADOT)
(ADOT)
PHOENIX — Specialty license plates in Arizona did their jobs, raising more than $6.5 million for charity and nonprofits.
State transportation department officials said it issued nearly 390,000 specialty license plates in 2015.
The biggest seller was the Arizona Cardinals.
Motorists bought close to $1.1 million of plates dedicated to the NFL team, which made a strong run in the playoffs, reaching the conference title game before bowing out.
That money will go to Cardinals Charities, which supports women, children and minorities.
“Seeing so many vehicles on the road displaying their Cardinals plates is fantastic, and the display of support is incredibly gratifying,” Cardinals President Michael Bidwill said in a statement.
“But even more meaningful is knowing the type of impact that the project is having on Cardinals Charities and, in turn, so many worthy causes throughout the state.”
Specialty plates cost $25. A designated charity or nonprofit group receives $17. There are 60 specialty plates in the state.
The second-most popular specialty plate was for the Arizona Veterans’ Donation Fund. That plate raised over $1 million last year.
Freedom/Military Support was the third-most popular and raised about $520,000.
While most specialty plates benefit a charity or nonprofit, some don’t.
Exceptions include those for historic and classic vehicles and certain public services.
Specialty license plates are created by state law. Last summer, laws helped add plates designated for the Arizona Coyotes and the Marines.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
