How the car donation process works
Start Your New Haven Car Donation
Begin by sharing basic information about your car, truck, van, SUV, or other vehicle with Elm City Autos. You do not need to know the vehicle’s final value, and you do not need to handle the sale yourself. Whether the vehicle is parked near Yale, in The Hill, in Dixwell, or in a driveway in Hamden or West Haven, the goal is to make donating easy. Your gift is directed to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, so the process is built around both convenience for you and mission impact.
Schedule Free Local Pickup
After your donation is started, a free tow is arranged at a time that works for you. Pickup is available throughout the New Haven Metro, including Downtown New Haven, East Rock, Fair Haven, Westville, Wooster Square, East Haven, North Haven, Branford, Milford, and nearby communities. You do not have to pay for towing or meet with a private buyer. Clear instructions are provided so you know what to have ready, such as the title when applicable and access to the vehicle. The pickup is designed to be simple, respectful, and low-stress.
Your Vehicle Is Sold to Create Proceeds
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is processed and sold. The sale price determines the amount reported for tax purposes when the vehicle sells for more than $500. You are not responsible for negotiating with buyers, advertising the car, or managing auction details. The important mission point is straightforward: 100-percent of the vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind. Instead of sitting unused, your vehicle becomes funding that supports services for Americans who are blind or visually impaired.
Proceeds Fund Heritage for the Blind Services
Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation proceeds to help support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. That includes helping individuals understand and connect with government assistance programs such as SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid. These services can be especially meaningful for people navigating vision loss, limited income, housing concerns, health coverage questions, or utility assistance needs. Donors who want to understand eligibility resources for themselves or someone they care about can visit nhftb.org/finder.
Receive Your Tax Documentation
Because Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446, your donation may be tax-deductible if you itemize deductions. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, the deduction is generally based on the gross vehicle sale price, and IRS Form 1098-C is provided for your records. Tax rules can depend on your personal situation, so many donors also speak with a tax professional. Elm City Autos helps you complete the donation with the documentation needed to support your charitable gift.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
100-percent of your vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind.
Free towing is available throughout New Haven and nearby Metro communities.
Proceeds help connect eligible people with SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C.
Check benefit eligibility resources anytime at nhftb.org/finder.