How the car donation process works
Start your Indianapolis donation with a mission in mind
Your donation begins when you tell Indy Car Connect about your vehicle and where it is located in the Indy Metro. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and many other vehicles may be eligible, whether they are parked in Downtown Indianapolis, Broad Ripple, Irvington, Fountain Square, Speedway, or a nearby suburb like Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, Lawrence, Avon, or Plainfield. You do not need to solve every detail before reaching out. The goal is to make giving easy while keeping the purpose clear: your vehicle proceeds support Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
Schedule free pickup at a convenient Indy Metro location
After your donation is accepted, a towing partner helps schedule free pickup at your home, office, repair shop, apartment complex, storage lot, or another accessible location. This is especially helpful if the vehicle no longer runs or has become expensive to maintain. Donors across Indianapolis neighborhoods and surrounding communities can use the pickup process to avoid listing the vehicle, negotiating with buyers, or paying for a tow. You receive guidance on the title and basic transfer steps so the donation can move forward smoothly and confidently.
Your vehicle is sold and proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is processed for sale through the appropriate channel. The important mission point is simple: 100-percent of vehicle proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind. That means your unwanted car is converted into funding for a real nonprofit serving people who are blind or visually impaired. Indy Car Connect does not ask you to estimate what the vehicle might sell for or promise an inflated value. Instead, the final sale determines the charitable proceeds and the tax documentation you receive.
Proceeds help fund services for blind and visually impaired people
Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle proceeds to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired, including help connecting individuals with public benefit programs. These may include SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid, depending on a person’s situation and eligibility. For donors, this is the heart of the gift: an unused or burdensome vehicle becomes support for people seeking access to resources, stability, and assistance. Anyone who wants to explore potential benefit eligibility can visit nhftb.org/finder.
Receive tax documentation for your charitable donation
Because Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, your vehicle donation may be tax deductible if you itemize deductions. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, the charitable deduction generally equals the gross vehicle sale price, and the donor receives IRS Form 1098-C for tax filing records. Keep your receipt and 1098-C with your tax documents and consult a tax professional if you have questions about your specific return. Indy Car Connect helps make sure the donation paperwork is handled clearly.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, serving blind and visually impaired Americans.
Free vehicle pickup is available across Indianapolis and the wider Indy Metro region.
100-percent of vehicle proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind to fund mission services.
For vehicles selling over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
People seeking benefit guidance can check potential program eligibility at nhftb.org/finder.