How the car donation process works
You Schedule a Free Fresno Metro Pickup
The process starts when you choose to donate through Cruz Fresno. You provide basic information about the vehicle, such as the year, make, model, mileage, general condition, and whether it runs. Free towing is available across the Fresno Metro, including Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Sanger, Selma, Kerman, Fowler, and surrounding communities. A towing partner contacts you to arrange a convenient pickup time. In many cases, you do not need to be home as long as the title and keys are handled according to the instructions you receive.
The Vehicle Is Assessed After Pickup
After pickup, the vehicle is reviewed to determine the best responsible sale path. The assessment usually considers whether the car starts, mileage, age, visible condition, market demand, and whether repairs would make financial sense. This is not about judging your donation. Older cars, high-mileage trucks, damaged vans, and non-running vehicles can still create proceeds for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446. The goal is to place the vehicle where it is most likely to generate value for the charity while keeping the process simple for you.
Running, Resalable Vehicles Typically Go to Auction
If your donated vehicle is running and in resalable condition, it typically goes to a public or dealer auction. Auction buyers may include dealers, wholesalers, exporters, or individuals looking for used vehicles. Your car is sold, and the gross sale price is reported for tax purposes when required by the IRS. Heritage for the Blind receives the sale proceeds as charitable revenue to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Cruz Fresno does not promise that a donated car will go to a specific person; the benefit usually comes through the proceeds created by the sale.
Non-Running or High-Mileage Vehicles May Be Sold for Parts
If the vehicle does not run, has severe mechanical issues, accident damage, very high mileage, or limited resale demand, it typically goes to licensed salvage or parts buyers. This may include vehicles that are too expensive to repair compared with their likely auction value. In that case, the car may be dismantled, recycled, or used for parts in accordance with the buyer’s process and applicable rules. Even when a vehicle is no longer roadworthy, it can still generate proceeds that go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Proceeds Fund Heritage for the Blind Services
Once the vehicle is sold, the proceeds become revenue for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446. Those funds support the organization’s work serving people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage for the Blind also helps connect eligible individuals with benefit resources, and donors or families who want to explore assistance can visit nhftb.org/finder to check programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other support options. Your donated car becomes practical funding for mission-focused services, not just an item removed from your driveway.
You Receive the Right Tax Documentation
After the sale, you receive the documentation needed for your records. If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, the IRS generally requires Form 1098-C, and your tax deduction is typically equal to the vehicle’s gross sale price. If it sells for $500 or less, different IRS deduction rules may apply. Cruz Fresno and Heritage for the Blind aim to keep the paperwork straightforward, but donors should consult a tax professional for personal tax advice. Heritage for the Blind is a recognized 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for eligible vehicle donations throughout Fresno Metro communities and neighborhoods.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles often go to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles selling over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Your donated car is usually converted into funding, not assigned to a specific family.