How the car donation process works
Donate your vehicle from anywhere in the Grand Rapids Metro
Start by telling River City Rides about the car, truck, van, SUV, or other vehicle you would like to donate. You do not need to drive it to a donation center. Free towing is available throughout the Grand Rapids Metro, including neighborhoods such as Heritage Hill, Alger Heights, Midtown, Creston, and suburbs like Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville, and East Grand Rapids. Whether the vehicle is running, parked, older, or no longer practical for your family, the donation process is designed to be convenient and mission-focused.
Your vehicle is picked up at no cost to you
After your donation is accepted, a towing provider schedules a pickup time that works for you. The tow is free, and you will receive the initial paperwork needed to document the donation. Donors often choose this option when selling a vehicle privately feels stressful or repairs no longer make sense. Instead of spending time listing the car, meeting buyers, or arranging transportation, you can turn the vehicle into support for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, while clearing space in your driveway, garage, or parking area.
The vehicle is sold and proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind
Once picked up, the donated vehicle is prepared for sale through an appropriate vehicle sales channel. The important mission point is simple: 100-percent of the vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind. Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses these proceeds to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Your Grand Rapids car donation becomes more than a vehicle transfer. It becomes funding that helps the charity continue outreach, assistance, and support for individuals navigating vision loss and daily-life challenges.
Proceeds help connect people with practical assistance
Heritage for the Blind helps people who are blind or visually impaired connect with programs that may improve stability and quality of life. This can include help understanding or connecting with government benefits such as SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid. These programs can be difficult to navigate, especially when someone is also managing vision loss. Donors who want to check eligibility for assistance programs can visit nhftb.org/finder. Your vehicle proceeds help keep these kinds of mission services available to people seeking guidance.
You receive tax documentation after the sale
Because Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations may be tax deductible for donors who itemize deductions. If your donated vehicle sells for more than $500, your deduction is generally based on the gross vehicle sale price, and IRS Form 1098-C is issued for your records. Tax situations vary, so donors should consult a qualified tax professional for personal advice. River City Rides keeps the paperwork process clear so you can donate with confidence and understand what documentation to expect.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
Free vehicle pickup is available throughout Grand Rapids Metro and nearby West Michigan communities.
100-percent of vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind.
Proceeds fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C.
Check possible benefit eligibility through Heritage for the Blind at nhftb.org/finder.