How the car donation process works
You Schedule a Free Orlando Metro Pickup
Start by telling Orlando Auto Ally about your car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, RV, or other vehicle. You do not need to drive it anywhere or make it look perfect. Free towing is available throughout the Orlando Metro, including neighborhoods like College Park, Baldwin Park, Lake Nona, MetroWest, Conway, and suburbs such as Winter Garden, Altamonte Springs, and Oviedo. Once your donation is accepted, a licensed towing provider contacts you to arrange a convenient pickup window. You receive the initial donation paperwork at pickup, and the vehicle begins the assessment process.
The Vehicle Is Assessed After Pickup
After pickup, the vehicle is reviewed for basic condition, mileage, drivability, market demand, and resale potential. This assessment helps determine the best way to turn your donation into funding for Heritage for the Blind. A clean, running car with resalable value is treated differently than a vehicle with mechanical problems, severe body damage, missing parts, or very high mileage. The goal is not to choose the most complicated option. The goal is to route the vehicle responsibly so the sale proceeds can support services for blind and visually impaired people.
Running Vehicles Typically Go to Auction
If your donated vehicle runs and is in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. Auctions allow qualified buyers to bid based on the vehicle’s condition and current market value. This is a common, efficient way to convert donated vehicles into charitable revenue without asking the donor to handle advertising, test drives, negotiations, or transfer logistics. Once the vehicle sells, the gross sale price is recorded. Those proceeds become revenue for Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) organization, EIN 58-2164446.
Non-Running Vehicles May Be Sold for Salvage or Parts
Not every donated car is road-ready, and that is okay. Vehicles that do not run, have major mechanical issues, carry very high mileage, or would cost too much to repair are typically sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers. This may include cars with blown engines, transmission problems, accident damage, flood concerns, or age-related wear. Even when a vehicle is no longer practical for daily driving in Central Florida traffic, it can still generate meaningful proceeds. Selling it through the appropriate salvage or parts channel helps avoid waste while supporting Heritage for the Blind’s mission.
Proceeds Fund Heritage for the Blind Services
After the sale, the proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind to help fund services for Americans who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage for the Blind is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, and vehicle sale proceeds are part of its charitable revenue. Donors who also want to explore benefit eligibility for themselves or someone they care about can visit nhftb.org/finder, where Heritage helps connect people with programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other assistance resources.
You Receive the Tax Documentation
When your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, you receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price. In that case, your tax deduction is generally equal to the gross sale price reported on the form, subject to IRS rules and your personal tax situation. Keep the form with your tax records and consult a qualified tax professional if you have questions. Orlando Auto Ally is designed to make the donation process straightforward: free tow, clear paperwork, vehicle sale, and proceeds that support Heritage for the Blind’s work.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for eligible vehicle donations throughout Orlando, Orange County, and surrounding Orlando Metro communities.
Running vehicles in resalable condition are typically sold through public or dealer auction channels.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles are typically sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles selling over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C with the gross sale price.