How the car donation process works
You request a free Richmond Metro pickup
Start by submitting your vehicle donation through RevUp Richmond. Pickup is available across the Richmond Metro area, including the Fan, Church Hill, Scott’s Addition, Northside, Southside, Henrico, Chesterfield, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and Short Pump. You do not need to drive the vehicle anywhere, and many cars can be accepted whether they run or not. After your donation details are confirmed, a towing partner contacts you to schedule a convenient pickup time. The tow is free, and you receive an initial receipt when the vehicle is collected.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
Once your car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other accepted vehicle is picked up, it is reviewed to determine the most appropriate resale path. The assessment looks at practical factors such as whether it starts, overall condition, mileage, age, market demand, and whether repairs would make sense before resale. This step helps make sure the vehicle is handled responsibly and positioned to generate proceeds for Heritage for the Blind. The goal is not to promise one specific outcome, but to choose the route that fits the vehicle’s real condition.
Running vehicles typically go to auction
If your donated vehicle is running and in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. Auction sale is a common way to convert donated vehicles into charitable revenue without placing the burden of selling, advertising, or negotiating on the donor. The final sale price depends on the vehicle’s condition and buyer demand at the time of sale. After the vehicle sells, the gross sale proceeds are directed to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, to help fund its mission.
Non-running vehicles may be sold for salvage or parts
If your vehicle does not run, has very high mileage, is damaged, or is unlikely to sell well at auction, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean your donation is wasted. Even vehicles with mechanical problems, body damage, or years of wear can still generate value through parts, scrap, or salvage resale. This route allows RevUp Richmond to help donors turn unwanted vehicles into proceeds for Heritage for the Blind without asking donors to pay for repairs first.
Proceeds fund Heritage for the Blind services
Heritage for the Blind is a real 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. When your donated vehicle is sold, the sale proceeds become charitable revenue for Heritage for the Blind and help support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also helps connect people with benefit resources, and donors who want to check potential eligibility for programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, or Section 8 can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your vehicle’s sale is what turns a driveway problem into mission support.
You receive tax documentation after the sale
After the vehicle sells, the final sale amount determines the tax documentation you receive. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. In that situation, your tax deduction is generally equal to the gross sale price shown on the form, subject to IRS rules and your personal tax situation. Keep your towing receipt and final tax paperwork for your records. If you have specific tax questions, it is best to speak with a qualified tax advisor.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available throughout Richmond Metro, including many neighborhoods and suburbs surrounding the city.
Running, resalable vehicles typically go to public or dealer auction after they are picked up.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles are commonly sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3), EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
You do not need to repair, clean, or sell the vehicle yourself before donating.