How the car donation process works
You start with a simple donation request
When you contact Drive Forward Jax, you provide basic details about the vehicle, such as the year, make, model, mileage, title status, condition, and where it is located. Donors across Jacksonville, Riverside, San Marco, Arlington, Mandarin, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Beaches communities, and surrounding Jacksonville Metro areas can usually arrange free tow pickup. You do not need to know whether the vehicle should be auctioned, repaired, or salvaged. The goal at this stage is simply to collect enough information to schedule pickup and begin the assessment process for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446.
Your vehicle is picked up at no cost
A licensed towing provider contacts you to schedule a convenient pickup time. The tow is free, whether the vehicle starts every morning, has been sitting for months, or needs to be removed from a driveway, parking space, or repair shop. After pickup, the vehicle is moved into the donation processing system and documented for sale. You receive the initial paperwork confirming the donation, and the vehicle is then evaluated so it can be routed in a way that helps maximize proceeds for Heritage for the Blind’s mission serving blind and visually impaired people.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After pickup, the vehicle is reviewed for practical resale value. Key factors include whether it runs, overall condition, mileage, age, market demand, damage, missing parts, and title information. This assessment determines the best path forward. A clean, running vehicle may have the strongest value at auction. A vehicle with a blown engine, major collision damage, very high mileage, or costly repairs may be more appropriate for salvage or parts. Drive Forward Jax does not ask donors to make that call; the processing team handles it after the vehicle is safely in the system.
Running 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, resellers, mechanics, or individuals looking for a usable vehicle. In some cases, light preparation may be completed when it supports a stronger sale outcome, but donated vehicles are generally sold rather than promised directly to a specific family. The important point is that the gross sale proceeds from the auction go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, to support its charitable work.
Non-running vehicles are sold for salvage or parts
If your vehicle does not run, has very high mileage, is severely damaged, or would cost more to repair than it is likely to bring at auction, it typically goes to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That can still create meaningful value. Usable components may be resold, recyclable materials may be recovered, and the sale proceeds are directed to Heritage for the Blind. Donating through Drive Forward Jax lets an unwanted vehicle in the Jacksonville Metro become mission funding instead of remaining unused, taking up space, or requiring you to pay for disposal.
You receive tax documentation after sale
Once the vehicle sells, the final sale amount determines your tax documentation. For vehicles that sell for over $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C, which generally reports the gross sale price used for your charitable vehicle donation deduction. Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. Donors should keep all receipts and consult a tax professional for personal tax guidance. The process is designed to be straightforward: free pickup, sale of the vehicle, proceeds to the charity, and documentation for your records.
Key facts about car donation
Free tow pickup is available for donors throughout Jacksonville and many nearby Jacksonville Metro communities.
Running, resalable vehicles typically go to public or dealer auction after the post-pickup assessment.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically go to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles selling over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C reporting the gross sale price.
Heritage for the Blind also shares benefit resources at nhftb.org/finder for people checking eligibility.