How the car donation process works
You start the donation and schedule free pickup
Once you choose to donate through Great Plains Autos, you provide basic details about the vehicle, including year, make, model, mileage, running condition, title status, and where it is located in Nebraska. Free towing is arranged at a convenient time, whether the car is parked at a home in Omaha, a driveway in Lincoln, a farm outside Norfolk, or an apartment lot in Bellevue. You do not need to repair, wash, or advertise the vehicle. The goal is to make donation simple while preparing the vehicle for the best available resale path.
The vehicle is assessed after pickup
After pickup, the vehicle is reviewed for condition, mileage, drivability, market demand, and likely resale value. This assessment determines whether it should be sent to a public or dealer auction, offered to a licensed salvage buyer, or sold for parts. Donors often ask if they can choose the outcome, but the decision is made after inspection so the donation can generate the strongest practical return. That return becomes revenue for Heritage for the Blind, EIN 58-2164446, to help fund services for blind and visually impaired people.
Running, resalable vehicles typically go to auction
If your donated car starts, drives, and is in resalable condition, it will typically be sent to a public or dealer auction. Auction buyers may include dealers, wholesalers, rebuilders, or individuals looking for used vehicles. This is common for cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs with enough market value to justify resale. The auction process helps establish a real sale price in the marketplace. After the vehicle sells, the gross sale price is reported for tax documentation when required, and proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind.
Non-running or high-mileage vehicles usually go to salvage or parts buyers
Not every donated vehicle is a good auction candidate. If a car does not run, has major mechanical problems, accident damage, very high mileage, missing components, or costly repair needs, it will typically be sold to a licensed salvage or parts buyer. That does not mean the donation is wasted. Usable parts, scrap metal, and recyclable materials can still create value. This route often avoids unnecessary repair costs while still turning an unwanted Nebraska vehicle into proceeds for Heritage for the Blind and its mission.
Sale proceeds fund Heritage for the Blind services
Heritage for the Blind is a real 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 58-2164446. The sale proceeds from your donated vehicle are their revenue, helping fund services and support for Americans who are blind or visually impaired. Instead of giving most vehicles directly to a family, Heritage generally benefits from converting the vehicle into cash through auction or parts sale, then applying those funds to its charitable work. If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you should receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price for your tax records.
Key facts about car donation
Free towing is available for donated vehicles across Nebraska and nearby communities served by Great Plains Autos.
Vehicles are assessed after pickup to choose the strongest practical resale, auction, salvage, or parts path.
Running vehicles in resalable condition typically go to public or dealer auction.
Non-running, damaged, or high-mileage vehicles typically sell to licensed salvage or parts buyers.
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446.
For vehicles sold over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C with the gross sale price.