“But what good will it do?”

You’ve undoubtedly heard the question many times, and maybe you’ve even asked it yourself—perhaps in the context of whether to support a charitable cause. In the case of a recent program sponsored by Toyota, the answer is: plenty.

With the help of social media powerhouse Facebook, Toyota recently completed the 100 Cars for Good program, awarding one new vehicle daily over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving nonprofit U.S. organizations based on votes from the public. The program, which ended in late August, was launched with more than 3,000 applicants entering for a chance to win; the field was narrowed to 500 finalists by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. To rally their friends and supporters and to encourage voting on the Toyota USA Facebook page, the finalists submitted online profiles to show how they would use the Toyota, with five finalists up for consideration by the public each day. The four daily runner-up organizations received a $1,000 donation.

The top 100 winners represent groups serving communities nationwide across a broad range of categories such as healthcare, animal welfare, veterans’ affairs, the environment, and family and children services, among others. Winners selected one of six vehicles: Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander Hybrid, Sienna minivan or the specially equipped Sienna Mobility—each with a six-year, 100,000-mile Vehicle Service Agreement to provide extended protection beyond the standard warranty. Deliveries are ongoing and expected to be completed by year’s end.

One of the winning organizations was SafeHouse of Shelby County, Alabama, which provides services, support and advocacy to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. “We’re honored to have been a part of the competition and humbled by the tremendous response from all of our friends and supporters,” says Executive Director Kathy Wells. “We’ll use the Sienna to transport a daily average of 30 to 45 Domestic Violence Shelter residents—women and children—to school and to [various] appointments; to work and to job interviews; to court hearings; and to recreational activities for the children.”

Toyota executives say this was the company’s first philanthropic effort that was influenced to such a large degree by the direct involvement of everyday citizens. “While we have a history of giving to nonprofit programs, 100 Cars for Good is the first Toyota initiative to put the public in the driver’s seat of one of our major philanthropic efforts,” says Yoshimi Inaba, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America. “It’s an honor for Toyota to contribute to the work of 100 great organizations, which are providing valuable and much-needed services to our communities. They’re an inspiration for all of us in helping others.”

Adds Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.: “It has been an honor to be a part of this program, to highlight the good work done by nonprofit organizations and to help them expand their services. The positive impact of these organizations in their respective communities is immeasurable. We congratulate all of the 100 Cars for Good winners, and thank them for leading the way in caring for their communities.”