How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or call Heritage for the Blind
Begin by completing Ride Revival’s quick online donation form or by calling Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic details such as the vehicle year, make, model, condition, pickup address, and whether you have the title. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, and many other vehicles may be accepted, running or not. Oakland donors often start the process from home, work, an apartment garage, a driveway, or a repair shop. Submitting the form does not require you to handle towing, pricing, or paperwork alone.
A coordinator calls back within 1–2 business hours
After your form is received, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1–2 business hours to confirm the details and answer your questions. This is the time to mention access notes, such as a gated lot in Downtown Oakland, limited street parking in Temescal, a narrow driveway in the hills, or a vehicle stored in Alameda or San Leandro. The coordinator helps schedule a free pickup time that works for you and explains what to have ready, including the title and keys if available.
Free pickup is scheduled, often same-day or next business day
A licensed tow truck arrives at your Oakland-area location at the scheduled time. In most metro areas, including much of the San Francisco Bay Area, pickup may be available the same day or the next business day, depending on schedule and access. You do not pay for towing. At pickup, you sign the title over as directed by the coordinator or tow driver, remove your personal belongings, and hand over the keys if you have them. The driver will load the vehicle and take it away.
Your vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
Once picked up, the vehicle is transported to an auction or parts reseller. The goal is to convert the donated vehicle into funds that can support Heritage for the Blind’s charitable mission. Some vehicles are sold as transportation; others may be valued for parts or salvage depending on age, mileage, condition, and market demand. You do not need to clean, repair, advertise, negotiate, or meet buyers. Ride Revival and Heritage for the Blind manage the next steps after pickup.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind’s mission
After the vehicle is sold, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a real 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Your Oakland car donation helps fund services and support for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also connects eligible individuals with benefit resources such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and related programs. Donors or families who want to explore benefit eligibility resources can visit nhftb.org/finder for more information.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
The full donation process usually takes about 2–6 weeks from your first contact through vehicle sale and tax paperwork. After the vehicle sells, your receipt is mailed to you. If the gross sale price is more than $500, Heritage for the Blind will provide IRS Form 1098-C. If the vehicle sells for $500 or less, you receive a written acknowledgment. Keep this document with your tax records and consult a tax advisor about how your donation may apply to your personal return.
Key facts about car donation
Pickup is free for Oakland donors; you do not pay towing, auction, or processing fees.
Coordinators typically call within 1–2 business hours after you submit the donation form.
Same-day or next-business-day towing is often available in most San Francisco Bay Area metro locations.
You sign the vehicle title over at pickup and remove personal belongings before the tow.
Tax paperwork is mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment for $500 or under.
The entire car donation process typically takes 2–6 weeks from start to mailed receipt.