How the car donation process works
Start with the 2-minute form or call Heritage for the Blind
Your donation begins when you complete the short online form for Badger Auto Aid or call Heritage for the Blind directly. You will share basic details: your name, Wisconsin pickup address, best contact information, vehicle year, make, model, general condition, and whether you have the title. You do not need to know the vehicle value, and it is okay if the car, truck, van, or SUV is not running. This step is simply to confirm the vehicle and prepare a coordinator to schedule your free pickup.
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 confirm details and answer your questions. They will help choose a pickup window that works for your schedule, whether the vehicle is at your home, apartment lot, workplace, repair shop, farm, or storage location. In Wisconsin metro areas such as Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Racine, and Kenosha, scheduling is often quick. You will also be reminded what to have ready for the tow driver, especially the title and keys if available.
A licensed tow truck arrives for free pickup
A licensed tow truck is dispatched to your Wisconsin location at no cost to you. Same-day or next-business-day pickup is available in most metro areas, depending on driver availability and weather. You do not need to clean the vehicle perfectly, but you should remove personal items, license plates if required, garage openers, toll devices, and paperwork you want to keep. At pickup, you sign the title over as instructed. The driver will verify the vehicle, load it safely, and take it away without charging towing, handling, or pickup fees.
Your vehicle is transported for sale or parts
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is transported to an auction or, when appropriate, a parts reseller. The goal is to convert the donated vehicle into funds that support Heritage for the Blind. Some donated cars are suitable for resale; others have more value as parts or scrap depending on age, mileage, damage, and mechanical condition. You do not have to manage repairs, advertising, test drives, buyer calls, or disposal. Badger Auto Aid and Heritage for the Blind handle the next steps after towing.
Sale proceeds support Heritage for the Blind
After the vehicle sells, proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446. Heritage for the Blind helps fund services and connections for people who are blind or visually impaired. If you or someone you know is also looking for benefit support, Heritage provides a resource at nhftb.org/finder to help check potential eligibility for programs such as SSI, LIHEAP, Medicare Extra Help, Section 8, and other assistance. Your Wisconsin car donation becomes a practical way to support that mission.
Your tax receipt is mailed after the vehicle sells
The full donation process typically takes about 2-6 weeks from pickup through sale and mailed receipt. After the vehicle sells, Heritage for the Blind mails the appropriate tax documentation. For vehicles that sell for more than $500, you receive IRS Form 1098-C. For vehicles that sell for $500 or under, you receive a written acknowledgment. Keep this paperwork with your tax records and speak with a tax professional if you have questions about claiming your deduction. There is no cost to you at any step.
Key facts about car donation
Pickup is free throughout Wisconsin, with fast availability in many Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Appleton-area neighborhoods.
A coordinator typically calls within 1-2 business hours after your online form is submitted.
Most metro-area pickups can be scheduled same-day or next business day, depending on availability.
You sign the title over at pickup; ask your coordinator if the title is missing.
Tax paperwork is mailed after sale: Form 1098-C over $500, written acknowledgment at $500 or under.
There are no towing, processing, or pickup fees charged to the Wisconsin donor.