How the car donation process works
You Start With a Simple Iowa Donation Request
Your donation begins when you tell Heartland Wheels about the vehicle: the year, make, model, mileage, general condition, and where it is located in Iowa. Whether the car is parked in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City, Ames, Waterloo, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Marion, Bettendorf, or a smaller rural community, we work to arrange convenient pickup. You do not need to know the final sale path in advance. The vehicle is reviewed after pickup so it can be routed responsibly and efficiently.
Free Towing Is Scheduled Around Your Location
Once the donation is accepted, free towing is arranged at a time that works for you. Many Iowa donors do not want to spend money repairing, advertising, or moving an unwanted vehicle, especially if it has been sitting through snowy winters, humid summers, or long commutes on I-80, I-35, or local county roads. The tow provider picks up the vehicle and documents the transfer. From there, the vehicle enters the assessment process, where its condition and resale potential determine the best next step.
The Vehicle Is Assessed After Pickup
After pickup, the vehicle is evaluated for basic factors such as whether it runs, its mileage, visible condition, age, market demand, and whether repairs would make financial sense. This assessment is important because Heritage for the Blind receives the proceeds from the vehicle sale. The goal is not to overpromise a specific use, but to place the vehicle through the route most likely to generate responsible value. Some vehicles are strong auction candidates. Others are worth more through licensed salvage or parts channels.
Running Vehicles Typically Go to Auction
If your donated vehicle is running and in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. That does not mean every vehicle is repaired first or given directly to an individual family. In most cases, auction is the practical way to turn a usable donated vehicle into cash proceeds for Heritage for the Blind. Buyers at auction may include dealers, wholesalers, mechanics, or individuals. When the vehicle sells, the gross sale price helps determine your tax documentation.
Non-Running Vehicles Typically Go to Salvage or Parts Buyers
If the vehicle is not running, has very high mileage, major mechanical problems, collision damage, rust, or limited resale appeal, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. This is still a meaningful donation. Even a car that is too expensive to repair can produce proceeds through usable parts, recyclable materials, or salvage value. Instead of paying to dispose of the vehicle, you can turn it into support for Heritage for the Blind services for blind and visually impaired people.
Proceeds Support Heritage for the Blind
Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The proceeds from your donated vehicle sale go directly to Heritage for the Blind as revenue to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Donors who also want to explore benefit eligibility resources can visit nhftb.org/finder, where Heritage connects people with information about programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other support options. Your Iowa vehicle donation becomes a practical source of funding for that mission.
Key facts about car donation
Heartland Wheels arranges free towing for accepted vehicle donations across Iowa communities and nearby suburbs.
Vehicles are assessed after pickup, not promised to one specific use before inspection.
Running, resalable vehicles typically go to public or dealer auction.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically go to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Sale proceeds go directly to Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
For vehicles sold for over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C for the gross sale price.