How the car donation process works
Start your Melbourne donation with Coastal Wheels
Begin by sharing basic details about your vehicle—year, make, model, condition, title status, and where it is located in the Melbourne area. Coastal Wheels accepts many types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and other donated vehicles, whether they run or not. You do not need to understand the auction or resale process before you call or submit your donation. The goal is to make the first step easy, respectful, and clear, so your vehicle can begin creating support for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446.
Schedule free pickup anywhere around the Space Coast
After your donation is confirmed, free towing is arranged at a time that works for you. Pickup is available throughout Melbourne and nearby communities such as West Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Suntree, Eau Gallie, Indialantic, Satellite Beach, and surrounding Space Coast neighborhoods. You will not need to deliver the vehicle yourself or pay for the tow. A licensed towing provider collects the vehicle from your home, workplace, repair shop, or another accessible location. This keeps the process convenient while helping your car move quickly toward its charitable purpose.
Your vehicle is sold to create charitable proceeds
Once picked up, the vehicle is processed for sale through an appropriate resale channel. The sale price depends on factors such as condition, mileage, age, demand, and market value, so Coastal Wheels does not promise a specific dollar amount before the vehicle is sold. What matters most for mission-minded donors is where the proceeds go: 100-percent of vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind. That means your donated car becomes real funding for a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving people who are blind or visually impaired.
Proceeds help fund services for blind and visually impaired people
Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation proceeds to support services that help people who are blind or visually impaired navigate daily needs and available assistance. This includes helping individuals connect with government benefit programs such as SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid. These services can be especially meaningful for people facing vision loss, limited income, housing concerns, energy costs, medical needs, or confusing application requirements. Donors and families who want to check potential benefit eligibility can also visit nhftb.org/finder.
Receive your tax documentation after the sale
Because Heritage for the Blind is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, your donation may be tax deductible if you itemize deductions. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, your deduction generally equals the gross vehicle sale price, and you will receive IRS Form 1098-C for your records. If your vehicle sells for $500 or less, different IRS rules may apply. Coastal Wheels recommends keeping all donation paperwork and speaking with a tax professional about your personal filing situation.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
Free vehicle pickup is available in Melbourne and surrounding Space Coast communities.
100-percent of vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind.
Proceeds support services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
For vehicles over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C after sale.
Visit nhftb.org/finder to check eligibility for assistance programs.