How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or call Heritage for the Blind
Begin by completing the short online donation form through Great Lakes Givers or by calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic information about the vehicle, including the year, make, model, mileage if known, general condition, and where it is located in Michigan. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles may be considered, even if they no longer run. You do not need to know the vehicle’s final value before donating. The goal of this first step is simply to open your donation file and make pickup easy.
A coordinator calls back within 1-2 business hours
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls within 1-2 business hours to confirm details and schedule your free pickup. They will verify the address, ask where the vehicle is parked, and help you choose a convenient time window. Pickup is available in many Michigan communities, including neighborhoods around Detroit, Dearborn, Warren, Sterling Heights, Livonia, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Lansing, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Flint, Saginaw, and Muskegon. The coordinator can also explain what to do if your title has a lien, missing signature, or outdated address.
A licensed tow truck comes to your Michigan location
In most metro areas, a licensed tow truck can arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on schedule and vehicle location. Pickup can often happen at your home, apartment, office, repair shop, storage lot, or another accessible location. There is no towing fee, no hidden charge, and no need for the vehicle to pass inspection. At pickup, you will sign the Michigan title over as instructed, remove your personal belongings, and hand over the keys if available. The driver will provide pickup documentation for your records.
Your vehicle is transported for sale or parts value
Once the tow is complete, the vehicle is transported to an auction, wholesale buyer, or parts reseller, depending on its age, condition, mileage, and marketability. Running vehicles may be offered for resale, while non-running, high-mileage, damaged, or older vehicles may be evaluated for parts or salvage value. You do not need to arrange repairs, cleaning, advertising, buyer meetings, or price negotiations. Heritage for the Blind and its processing partners handle the logistics so your Michigan donation can move from driveway to sale as efficiently as possible.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, net proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind funds services and support for people who are blind or visually impaired, and also helps connect individuals with benefit resources. If you or someone you care about wants to check possible eligibility for SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, or similar assistance, visit nhftb.org/finder. Your donated vehicle helps advance a mission, while also giving you a convenient way to remove an unwanted car from your Michigan property.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
The full process typically takes about 2-6 weeks from donation start to mailed tax documentation, depending on pickup timing, sale processing, and mail delivery. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will mail IRS Form 1098-C. If it sells for $500 or under, you will receive a written acknowledgment instead. Keep your pickup paperwork and final tax receipt with your records. Great Lakes Givers cannot provide tax advice, so speak with a qualified tax professional about how to claim your charitable vehicle donation.
Key facts about car donation
The online donation form takes about 2 minutes and starts your Michigan pickup request.
Towing is free to the donor, with no service fee at any step.
Coordinators usually call within 1-2 business hours to schedule pickup.
Same-day or next-business-day pickup is often available in Michigan metro areas.
You sign the title over at pickup and remove personal items beforehand.
Tax documentation is mailed after sale, typically within the 2-6 week process.