How the car donation process works
Start With the 2-Minute Form or a Call
To begin, complete the quick Cruz Fresno online donation form or call Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic details like your name, contact information, vehicle location, year, make, model, mileage if known, and whether you have the title. You do not need to know the vehicle’s value, and it does not have to be in perfect condition. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and many other vehicles may be accepted. This first step simply gives the donation coordinator enough information to review pickup options in the Fresno Metro and move your donation forward.
A Donation Coordinator Calls Back Quickly
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1 to 2 business hours. The coordinator confirms your vehicle details, answers questions, and helps schedule a free pickup time that works for you. If your vehicle is parked at home, at work, at a repair shop, or at another accessible location in areas like Central Fresno, East Fresno, Clovis, Kerman, or Sanger, let the coordinator know. You will also be told what to have ready for the driver, including the vehicle title and keys if available.
A Licensed Tow Truck Picks Up Your Vehicle for Free
In most metro areas, pickup can often be arranged for the same day or the next business day, depending on schedule, location, and vehicle access. A licensed tow truck driver comes to the address you provided, inspects the vehicle for pickup, and loads it safely. There is no towing charge to you at any point. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed by the coordinator or driver. Remove personal belongings, license plates if required, and any toll tags or parking passes before the tow truck arrives.
Your Vehicle Goes to Auction or a Parts Reseller
Once picked up, the vehicle is transported to an auction, recycler, or parts reseller, depending on its age, condition, mileage, and market demand. You do not need to handle repairs, advertising, test drives, buyer negotiations, smog appointments, or paperwork with a private buyer. The goal is to process the vehicle efficiently so it can generate proceeds for the charity. This step is handled behind the scenes, and your coordinator can help explain what generally happens after pickup.
Sale Proceeds Support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle is sold, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses charitable support to help fund services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also connects people with information about benefit programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related assistance. Donors or families who want to check benefit eligibility can visit nhftb.org/finder for additional guidance and screening tools.
Your Tax Receipt Is Mailed After the Vehicle Sells
After the sale is complete, your tax receipt is mailed to the address you provided. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. The full donation timeline, from starting the form to receiving tax documentation, is typically about 2 to 6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, sale processing, and mail delivery. Keep your receipt with your tax records, and consult a tax professional about your specific deduction.
Key facts about car donation
The online donation form takes about 2 minutes and starts the Fresno Metro pickup process.
A coordinator usually calls within 1 to 2 business hours after your request is submitted.
Towing is free, and there is no cost to the donor at any step.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is often available in many Fresno Metro locations.
Vehicles over $500 receive IRS Form 1098-C after the sale is completed.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.