How the car donation process works
Start your DC Metro car donation
Begin by sharing basic details about your car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other eligible vehicle with Wheels for Impact. You do not need to be a vehicle expert, and the process is built for busy donors in Washington DC and Northern Virginia. Whether the vehicle is parked in a condo garage in Arlington, a driveway in Fairfax, a curbside spot in Capitol Hill, or near an office in Tysons, you can start the donation and ask questions before pickup is arranged.
Schedule free towing at a convenient location
After your donation is started, pickup is arranged at no cost to you. Free towing is available across the DC Metro, including Washington DC neighborhoods and Virginia communities such as Alexandria, Falls Church, Reston, McLean, and Fairfax. The goal is to make the process simple and low-pressure: you choose a practical pickup location, receive clear next steps, and avoid the hassle of selling the vehicle yourself. If the vehicle is not running, that is often okay too.
Your vehicle is sold to create charitable proceeds
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is processed for sale. The gross sale price becomes the amount used for IRS reporting when the vehicle sells for more than $500. Most importantly for mission-motivated donors, 100-percent of the vehicle proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446. That means your unwanted car is turned into funding for a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving people who are blind or visually impaired, instead of sitting unused or costing you money.
Proceeds help fund services for blind and visually impaired people
Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation proceeds to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. This includes helping individuals understand and connect with government benefit programs that may reduce financial strain or improve stability. Programs may include SSI or SSDI, LIHEAP energy assistance, Section 8 housing support, Medicare Extra Help, Medicaid, and other resources. Donors who want to explore assistance options for themselves or someone they care about can visit nhftb.org/finder to check potential eligibility.
Receive the tax documentation you may need
Because Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, donations may be tax deductible for donors who itemize deductions. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, the deduction is generally based on the gross vehicle sale price, and you receive IRS Form 1098-C for your records. Wheels for Impact helps make the documentation process clear, but you should always consult a qualified tax advisor about your personal return and whether itemizing is right for you.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
100-percent of vehicle proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind to support its charitable services.
Free towing is available for donors throughout Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and the DC Metro.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Donors who itemize may be able to deduct their charitable vehicle donation on federal taxes.
Visit nhftb.org/finder to check potential eligibility for benefits such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicaid, and more.