How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute online form or a quick call
To begin your Nebraska car donation, fill out the short online form for Great Plains Autos or call Heritage for the Blind directly. You will be asked for basic contact information, the vehicle location, the year, make, model, mileage if known, and general condition. You do not need to know the vehicle's value, and it does not have to be running to be considered. This first step usually takes about two minutes and simply gives the donation team enough information to confirm pickup details and move your donation forward.
A coordinator calls back within 1-2 business hours
After your form is submitted, a donation coordinator typically calls back within 1-2 business hours to review your vehicle information and schedule your free pickup. They will confirm the address, whether the vehicle is at a home, apartment, workplace, repair shop, farm property, or storage lot, and ask about access for the tow truck. In Nebraska metro areas such as Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, and Council Bluffs-area suburbs, pickup is often available quickly, depending on schedule and location.
Your vehicle is picked up for free at your location
A licensed tow truck is scheduled to come to your Nebraska location, with same-day or next-business-day pickup available in most metro areas when scheduling allows. There is no towing charge, no hidden pickup fee, and no deduction collected from you at the door. At pickup, you will sign the title over as instructed by the donation coordinator and provide the keys if you have them. If you have questions about Nebraska title details, ask before the truck arrives so everything is ready.
The vehicle goes to auction or a parts reseller
After pickup, your donated car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle, or other eligible vehicle is transported to the appropriate sales channel. Many vehicles are sent to auction, while others may go to a parts reseller depending on condition, age, mileage, demand, and local market factors. You do not need to manage repairs, advertising, buyer calls, test drives, or paperwork with strangers. Great Plains Autos and Heritage for the Blind handle the next steps so the vehicle can be converted into charitable support.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
Once the vehicle is sold, the proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage uses vehicle donations to help fund services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Heritage also helps connect eligible individuals with benefit resources, including SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other assistance programs. Donors or families who want to explore benefit eligibility can visit nhftb.org/finder for more information.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
After the sale is complete, your tax receipt is mailed to the address you provided. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, Heritage for the Blind provides IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. The entire donation process typically takes about 2-6 weeks from your first call or form submission to mailed receipt, depending on pickup timing, sale date, and processing. Always consult your tax advisor about your specific deduction.
Key facts about car donation
Nebraska donors pay nothing for towing, pickup coordination, title transfer guidance, or donation processing at any step.
Most Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Papillion, and Fremont-area pickups can be scheduled quickly when trucks are available.
You can donate many vehicle types, including cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, and non-running vehicles.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
IRS Form 1098-C is mailed for vehicles sold for more than $500 after the sale is processed.
Most donors complete the full process in about 2-6 weeks from start to mailed receipt.