How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a quick call
Begin by filling out the short online donation form or calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You’ll share basic details: your contact information, the vehicle year, make, model, general condition, location, and whether you have the title. You do not need to know the vehicle’s value, and it is okay if the car does not run. Donors across Idaho use this first step to ask questions before scheduling, especially if the vehicle is at a home, office, repair shop, storage lot, farm, or family member’s address.
A coordinator calls back to schedule free pickup
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls within 1-2 business hours to confirm details and arrange a free tow. You can choose a pickup window that works for your schedule, and the coordinator will explain what needs to be ready on pickup day. In most Idaho metro areas, including Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Idaho Falls, and Coeur d’Alene, same-day or next-business-day pickup is often available. If your vehicle is farther out, the team will still work to coordinate the most convenient tow possible.
The licensed tow truck arrives and you sign the title
A licensed tow provider comes to the Idaho location you approved, and the tow is free. At pickup, you’ll sign the title over as instructed by the coordinator or tow driver. Please remove license plates if required, personal items, garage openers, parking passes, and any paperwork you want to keep. If the vehicle is in a tight driveway, apartment lot, alley, or behind a shop, mention that during scheduling so the tow company can bring the right equipment. You do not pay towing, pickup, or processing fees.
Your vehicle is transported for sale or parts
Once picked up, the vehicle is transported to an auction, reseller, or parts buyer depending on its age, condition, mileage, and local market. A running pickup in Boise may follow a different path than a non-running SUV in Pocatello or a damaged sedan near Lewiston, but the objective is the same: responsibly convert the vehicle into support for the charity. You do not have to repair, clean, advertise, meet buyers, negotiate price, or handle sale paperwork. The donation program manages this behind the scenes.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation proceeds to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. The organization also helps connect individuals with benefit resources, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related assistance. If you or someone you know wants to explore benefit eligibility, you can visit nhftb.org/finder as a helpful starting point.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
The full donation timeline is typically 2-6 weeks from start to receipt, depending on pickup timing, sale processing, and mail delivery. After the vehicle sells, your tax documentation is mailed to you. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, you receive IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. Keep the receipt with your tax records and consult a tax professional if you have questions about claiming a deduction based on your personal tax situation.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is included for Idaho donors, with no pickup, processing, or hidden donor fees.
Coordinators usually call within 1-2 business hours after you submit the donation form.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is often available in most Idaho metro areas.
You sign the title over at pickup; the coordinator explains the exact instructions beforehand.
Tax documentation is mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, acknowledgment at $500 or under.
Most donations are completed from first contact to receipt within about 2-6 weeks.