Sheryl Crow Sells Her Tesla and Donates the Funds to NPR Sheryl Crow, the iconic singer-songwriter, has made headlines once again—this time for her generous decision to sell her Tesla and donate the proceeds to NPR. Crow, who has long been a supporter of various charitable causes, is using this opportunity to make a powerful statement about the importance of supporting public radio and its invaluable role in today’s media landscape.
What if more people followed Sheryl Crow’s lead? The singer, long known for her commitment to environmental causes, has once again made waves with a bold move: she sold her Tesla and donated the proceeds to National Public Radio (NPR) as part of a symbolic protest against Tesla founder Elon Musk. Crow, a vocal critic of Musk’s controversial actions, took to Instagram to share the news, posting a video of her black Tesla being loaded onto a flatbed truck, accompanied by Andrea Bocelli’s rendition of “Time to Say Goodbye.”
In the post, Crow—dressed casually in a jacket and fatigue pants—waved goodbye as the vehicle was driven away. Her caption read: “My parents always said… you are who you hang out with. There comes a time when you have to decide who you are willing to align with. So long Tesla.” She further explained that the money from the sale would go to NPR, which she believes is under threat due to Musk’s involvement with Twitter. Her hashtag, “Call1-202-224-3141,” encouraged followers to contact their senators.
This isn’t Crow’s first time using a vehicle sale as a way to raise money for a cause. Back in 2011, she auctioned off her 1959 Mercedes to support schools in Joplin, Missouri, which had been devastated by a deadly tornado. As she shared with Vanity Fair, she realized that benefit concerts weren’t always the most efficient way to raise funds, especially when expenses and taxes are factored in.
Crow switched to a Tesla at some point after the 2011 fundraiser, remaining undeterred by the political debates surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) at the time. In the not-so-distant past, owning an EV was often viewed as a political statement, and those who drove electric cars were sometimes perceived as being part of a certain political camp. However, the EV market in 2025 is very different, especially given Musk’s increasingly controversial public persona.
Musk, who has been criticized for his vocal support of dangerous ideologies and his hostility toward marginalized communities, has also been a critic of NPR. In 2023, he accused the news organization of being “state-controlled” and threatened to reassign its Twitter handle. His call to “defund NPR” and his political involvement with figures like former President Donald Trump have sparked widespread concern. For Crow, this alignment with Musk, combined with his harmful rhetoric, was likely a deciding factor in her choice to part ways with her Tesla.
NPR, despite Musk’s claims, is far from reliant on federal funding. In 2023, only around $32 million of NPR’s $318 million budget came from public sources, with donations like Crow’s making up roughly 13% of its revenue. Corporate donations contribute about 36%. Given this, Crow’s donation is not only a symbolic gesture but also a meaningful contribution to an organization that plays a vital role in providing independent journalism and educational content.
If more people followed Crow’s example, perhaps there could be a shift in the way people view their purchasing decisions and the causes they choose to support. Imagine if every Tesla owner upset by Musk’s actions sold their cars, contributed the proceeds to a cause they believed in, and moved to more affordable EV options. While this may seem like a far-off possibility, Crow’s act of generosity shows how individual actions can make a difference in a world where corporations often hold far too much power.
Crow’s donation to NPR underscores her ongoing commitment to supporting causes that promote truth, transparency, and public service media. It also highlights the growing influence of celebrities in using their platforms and resources for social change.
Sheryl Crow’s Act of Generosity
When Sheryl Crow announced that she had sold her Tesla, it caught the attention of fans and the media alike. The car’s sale wasn’t simply a personal transaction, but a philanthropic move to support public radio. Crow’s decision to donate the entire amount to NPR (National Public Radio) reflects her commitment to causes she believes in and her desire to have a positive impact on the world.
Why NPR? NPR has long been a vital source of news, culture, and education for millions of people. As Crow explained, the need for reliable, unbiased information is more crucial than ever, especially in the current media environment. Public radio not only provides in-depth reporting on critical issues but also offers a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.
By supporting NPR, Crow aims to help ensure that the organization can continue to provide high-quality journalism for years to come.
The Growing Role of Celebrities in Philanthropy
Crow’s decision to donate the proceeds from her Tesla sale is part of a broader trend where celebrities use their influence and resources to support important causes. From climate change to education and social justice, public figures like Sheryl Crow are leveraging their platforms to make tangible changes.
Sheryl Crow’s History of Giving Back Crow has been an advocate for various causes for years. She’s championed environmental causes, cancer awareness (after her own battle with breast cancer), and music education, among others. Her donation to NPR is just one more example of her commitment to creating positive change through philanthropy.
How This Donation Impacts NPR
The money donated by Crow will play a crucial role in supporting NPR’s mission of delivering high-quality, independent journalism to listeners across the country. NPR is funded largely by listener contributions and grants, and donations like Crow’s help keep the station running smoothly. It’s a reminder of how powerful individual contributions can be in sustaining institutions that prioritize public service over profit.
Why NPR Needs Your Support NPR, while offering free access to its content, is a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on the generosity of donors. The station’s credibility, diverse programming, and commitment to journalism are what make it a trusted source for millions of listeners. Donations like Crow’s not only support NPR’s operational costs but also help ensure the continuity of critical news coverage, educational programming, and cultural insight.
Sheryl Crow’s Legacy of Environmental Awareness
In addition to her support for NPR, Crow’s decision to sell her Tesla also raises awareness about the environmental impacts of car ownership. While electric cars are seen as a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles, Crow’s move to sell her car and donate the funds speaks to her broader commitment to environmental sustainability.
By opting to donate the proceeds to NPR, Crow ensures that her actions leave a legacy beyond just reducing her own carbon footprint. This act symbolizes her holistic approach to sustainability and making a positive impact on society.
Conclusion
Sheryl Crow’s decision to sell her Tesla and donate the proceeds to NPR demonstrates how celebrities can use their platform and resources to support causes that matter. Through her donation, Crow is helping ensure that public radio continues to thrive in an era where quality journalism is needed more than ever. Her philanthropy serves as an example of how individuals can leverage their influence for the greater good, reminding us all of the importance of giving back.
FAQs
1. Why did Sheryl Crow sell her Tesla?
Crow sold her Tesla to donate the proceeds to NPR, highlighting her commitment to supporting public radio and its crucial role in today’s media landscape.
2. How much did Sheryl Crow donate to NPR?
While the exact amount is not disclosed, the funds from selling the Tesla were fully donated to NPR to support its programming.
3. What is NPR’s mission?
NPR is committed to providing high-quality, independent journalism, offering a platform for diverse voices, and delivering in-depth coverage of critical news and cultural topics.
4. How are donations to NPR used?
Donations help support NPR’s operational costs, ensuring the continuation of its journalism, educational programming, and cultural offerings.
5. What are some of Sheryl Crow’s other charitable causes?
Crow has supported various causes including environmental issues, cancer awareness, and music education.
6. How can I donate to NPR?
Listeners can donate to NPR through their website or by participating in local NPR station fundraising events.