How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or a quick call
Begin by completing the simple online car donation form with Bluegrass Auto Gift, or call Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446) directly. You will share basic details such as the vehicle year, make, model, mileage if known, location, and title status. You do not need to know the vehicle value, and the car does not have to be running to start the process. Donors across Louisville Metro can submit from home, work, or wherever the vehicle is parked.
A coordinator calls within 1-2 business hours
After your form is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours during normal business times. This call is friendly and practical: the coordinator confirms the vehicle information, answers your questions, and helps schedule your free pickup. You can request pickup from a residence, apartment lot, workplace, repair shop, storage location, or another accessible spot in the Louisville Metro area. There is no towing fee, processing fee, or hidden cost to you at any point.
Free pickup is scheduled at your Louisville-area location
In most metro areas, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on driver availability and your schedule. Pickups are commonly arranged throughout Louisville neighborhoods and suburbs including Clifton, Germantown, Portland, Lyndon, Valley Station, Pleasure Ridge Park, Hurstbourne, Prospect, and Shepherdsville. Please remove personal items, locate the title, and make sure the tow driver can safely access the vehicle. You do not need to repair, wash, or move the vehicle before pickup.
You sign the title over at pickup
When the tow truck arrives, the driver will verify the vehicle and guide you through the title handoff. In most cases, you sign the vehicle title over at pickup so ownership can be transferred properly. Have your photo ID available and avoid filling out the title before the pickup unless instructed, since title rules can vary. If you have questions about a missing title, lien, inherited vehicle, or name change, ask the coordinator before pickup so the right next step can be confirmed.
The vehicle is sold through the appropriate channel
After pickup, your donated vehicle is transported to an auction, wholesale buyer, or parts reseller, depending on its condition and market fit. Running cars, non-running vehicles, trucks, vans, SUVs, and older vehicles may all be handled differently to help complete the donation efficiently. Once the vehicle sells, the net proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446) to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Your vehicle can keep doing good after it leaves your driveway.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
Once the vehicle sale is complete, your tax receipt is prepared and mailed. For vehicles sold for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles sold for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. The entire process, from initial submission to receipt after sale, typically takes about 2-6 weeks. Timing can vary based on pickup scheduling, title completion, auction timing, and mail delivery. For personal tax questions, it is always best to consult your tax professional.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is included for qualifying vehicle donations throughout Louisville Metro and nearby service areas.
A coordinator usually calls within 1-2 business hours after your form is submitted.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is available in most metro areas when scheduling allows.
You sign the title over at pickup, and the driver removes the vehicle at no cost.
Tax documentation is mailed after the vehicle sells, usually within the 2-6 week process window.
Heritage for the Blind (EIN 58-2164446) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity.