How the car donation process works
You Start the Donation and Schedule Free Memphis Metro Pickup
Your donation begins when you provide basic information about the vehicle, including its year, make, model, condition, mileage, title status, and pickup location. Rides for Pride helps arrange free towing throughout the Memphis Metro, from Downtown and Midtown to Raleigh, Hickory Hill, Cordova, Bartlett, Germantown, and Collierville. You do not need to repair, detail, or advertise the vehicle. Once pickup is scheduled, a licensed towing provider collects the car at a time and place that works for you, whether it is at your home, workplace, apartment complex, or repair shop.
After Pickup, the Vehicle Is Assessed for the Best Sale Path
After the vehicle is picked up, it is assessed to determine the most practical way to sell it. The review considers whether the car starts, runs, and drives; its mileage; age; visible condition; mechanical issues; and market demand. This assessment helps decide whether the vehicle should be sent to a public or dealer auction, or whether it has stronger value through a licensed salvage or parts buyer. The goal is not to hold the car indefinitely. The goal is to turn the donated vehicle into proceeds for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446.
Running, Resalable Vehicles Typically Go to Auction
If your donated car is running and in resalable condition, it will typically be offered through a public or dealer auction. Auction sales help place vehicles in front of buyers who understand local and regional used-car values, including buyers who may repair, retail, or use the vehicle. Rides for Pride’s vehicle donation process is designed to convert the car into funding, rather than match individual cars directly with families. When the vehicle sells, the gross sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving blind and visually impaired Americans.
Non-Running or High-Mileage Vehicles May Be Sold for Parts
Not every donated car is a candidate for auction. If a vehicle does not run, has very high mileage, has major mechanical problems, or would cost more to prepare than it is likely to bring at auction, it is typically sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean the donation failed. Even vehicles with engine problems, accident damage, missing parts, or long-term storage issues can still create value. By selling the car for salvage or parts, the donation can still generate proceeds for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446.
Sale Proceeds Fund Heritage for the Blind Services
Once the vehicle is sold, the proceeds become revenue for Heritage for the Blind, a recognized 501(c)(3) charity, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage uses charitable revenue to support services and resources for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also helps connect people with benefit information, including programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, and Section 8. Donors, families, or community members who want to check benefit eligibility can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your donated vehicle becomes practical funding that supports mission-focused assistance beyond the driveway.
You Receive the Tax Paperwork After the Vehicle Sells
After the donated vehicle is sold, you receive documentation for your records. If the vehicle sells for more than $500, the IRS generally allows your deduction to equal the vehicle’s gross sale price, and IRS Form 1098-C is issued. This form reports the sale amount and supports your charitable deduction when you file taxes, subject to IRS rules and your personal tax situation. For vehicles selling for $500 or less, different IRS deduction rules may apply. Keep all donation paperwork and consult a tax professional if you have questions.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available throughout the Memphis Metro, including Midtown, Cordova, Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, and nearby areas.
Vehicles are assessed after pickup to determine whether auction, salvage, or parts sale is the best path.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction after donation.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles are commonly sold to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, and receives the sale proceeds.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.