How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a quick call
Begin by completing the Drive for Good online donation form, which usually takes about two minutes, or by calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic information such as your name, contact details, vehicle year, make, model, location, and whether you have the title available. You do not need to know the vehicle’s exact value, and the car does not need to be running. This first step simply gives the donation team what they need to confirm pickup options in your North Dakota area.
A coordinator calls to schedule free pickup
After your form or call, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1 to 2 business hours. They will confirm your vehicle details, answer questions, and help choose a pickup window that works for you. Pickup is free, with no towing, processing, or hidden donor fee at any step. In many North Dakota metro areas, including Fargo-Moorhead, Bismarck-Mandan, Grand Forks, and Minot, same-day or next-business-day pickup may be available depending on tow capacity, weather, and title readiness.
The licensed tow truck arrives at your location
A licensed tow truck comes to the address you choose, such as your home, workplace, apartment lot, repair shop, farmyard, or storage location. If the vehicle is accessible and the paperwork is ready, pickup is usually quick. At pickup, you will sign the North Dakota title over as instructed by the donation coordinator or tow provider. Remove personal belongings, take off license plates if instructed, and keep any documents the driver provides. You do not pay the tow driver; the pickup is free.
Your vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is transported to an appropriate resale channel, usually an auction or parts reseller. The route depends on the vehicle’s condition, age, mileage, and local market demand. Running cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and some non-running vehicles may all be accepted. You do not need to manage repairs, advertising, buyer calls, or DMV back-and-forth. The donation program handles the next steps so your unwanted vehicle can be converted into charitable support.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, the net proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind uses donated vehicle proceeds to help fund services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. Donors who also want to explore public-benefit connections can visit nhftb.org/finder, where Heritage provides information related to SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other assistance programs. Your vehicle donation becomes a practical way to support that mission.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the sale
Your tax documentation is mailed after the vehicle sells. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. The entire donation timeline commonly takes about 2 to 6 weeks, depending on pickup timing, auction processing, sale date, and mailing. Drive for Good cannot provide tax advice, so you should keep your documents and consult a qualified tax professional about your individual deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Pickup is free across available North Dakota service areas; donors pay no towing fee.
Coordinators typically call within 1 to 2 business hours after your form or call.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is often available in major North Dakota metro areas.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
Form 1098-C is mailed for vehicles selling for more than $500.
Most complete donations take about 2 to 6 weeks from start to receipt.