How the car donation process works
You donate and schedule free pickup
Start by submitting your donation through RideForward, then choose a convenient pickup window. Free towing is available throughout Greater Philadelphia, including neighborhoods such as Fishtown, Manayunk, Germantown, University City, South Philadelphia, and suburbs like Bensalem, Media, Norristown, and Camden-area communities. You do not need to clean up every cosmetic issue or make repairs before donating. The goal is to make the handoff simple: provide the vehicle information, confirm the title details, and make sure the car is accessible for the tow operator.
The vehicle is picked up and documented
At pickup, the towing provider collects the vehicle and records the basic details needed for processing. This step helps confirm the vehicle’s condition, location, and ownership paperwork before it moves into the sale pathway. Donors often wonder whether the car will be personally given away. In most cases, donated vehicles are not transferred directly to a family. Instead, the vehicle is converted into proceeds, and those proceeds become revenue for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, to support services for blind and visually impaired people.
Running, resalable cars usually go to auction
If your donated car runs and appears to be in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. This is common for cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and motorcycles that still have market value. Auction buyers may include dealers, wholesalers, exporters, or individuals, depending on the auction venue. The purpose is straightforward: sell the vehicle through an established marketplace so the gross sale price can be documented and the proceeds can go to Heritage for the Blind to fund its charitable work.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles are sold for salvage or parts
If your vehicle does not run, has major mechanical problems, body damage, missing parts, or very high mileage, it usually will not be repaired for resale. Instead, it is typically sold to a licensed salvage, dismantling, or parts buyer. That buyer may recycle usable components, recover scrap value, or dismantle the vehicle according to applicable rules. Even a car that cannot safely drive on I-95, the Schuylkill Expressway, or local Philadelphia streets can still generate proceeds that benefit Heritage for the Blind.
Proceeds help fund Heritage for the Blind services
After the vehicle sells, the proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a real 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Those sale proceeds are the charity’s revenue from your vehicle donation. Heritage for the Blind uses charitable funding to support services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also connects eligible individuals with benefit programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other assistance; donors or community members can explore eligibility resources at nhftb.org/finder.
You receive the tax paperwork after sale
Once the vehicle is sold, your tax documentation is prepared based on the sale. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, the IRS generally requires Form 1098-C, and your charitable deduction is typically equal to the vehicle’s gross sale price. Keep this form with your tax records and consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation. RideForward’s role is to make the donation process easier while ensuring your Philadelphia-area vehicle donation is handled through the proper charitable channel for Heritage for the Blind.
Key facts about car donation
Free tow is available for qualifying vehicle donations across Greater Philadelphia and nearby suburbs.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically go to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing gross sale price.
Heritage for the Blind helps blind and visually impaired Americans access services and assistance resources.