How the car donation process works
Start your Montana donation with Big Sky Rides
Begin by telling Big Sky Rides about your car, truck, van, SUV, or other eligible vehicle. You do not need to be an expert in vehicle values or charity paperwork; the goal is to make donating feel clear and manageable. Whether your vehicle is parked in Billings Heights, Missoula’s University District, downtown Bozeman, Laurel, Belgrade, or a rural Montana driveway, we help coordinate the next steps. Your donation is made to Heritage for the Blind, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 58-2164446, so your gift supports a recognized charitable mission.
Schedule free pickup at a convenient location
After your donation is started, free towing is arranged at a time and place that works for you. Pickup may be available from a home, workplace, repair shop, storage area, or other accessible location across Montana. Donors often appreciate that they do not have to drive an unwanted vehicle through winter weather, arrange a private sale, or meet strangers from classified listings. A towing partner will collect the vehicle and provide pickup documentation, helping you move from good intentions to real impact without extra cost.
Your vehicle is sold to create charitable proceeds
Once the vehicle is picked up, it is processed for sale through the appropriate channel. The amount generated depends on the vehicle’s condition, market demand, age, mileage, and other sale factors; Big Sky Rides will not invent or promise an impact amount. What matters is that 100-percent of the vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind. That means your unused car becomes funding for services that assist people who are blind or visually impaired, rather than sitting idle in a driveway or garage.
Proceeds fund services for blind and visually impaired people
Heritage for the Blind uses vehicle donation proceeds to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. A key part of that work includes helping individuals understand and connect with government benefit programs, including SSI, SSDI, LIHEAP, Section 8, Medicare Extra Help, and Medicaid. These programs can be difficult to navigate, especially when someone is already managing vision loss or limited accessibility. Donors who want to explore eligibility for assistance programs can also visit nhftb.org/finder for a benefits screening tool.
Receive tax documentation after the sale
Because Heritage for the Blind is a 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, the deductible amount is generally the gross vehicle sale price, and you receive IRS Form 1098-C for your tax records. Keep your pickup paperwork and final tax receipt together. Big Sky Rides cannot provide tax advice, so speak with a qualified tax professional if you have questions about how the deduction applies to your return.
Key facts about car donation
Heritage for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-2164446.
100-percent of vehicle sale proceeds go to Heritage for the Blind’s mission-focused services.
Free towing is available for eligible vehicle donations throughout Montana communities and nearby rural areas.
For vehicles over $500, donors receive IRS Form 1098-C showing the gross sale price.
Donors who itemize may be able to deduct the donation on their federal tax return.
Benefit eligibility resources are available at nhftb.org/finder for programs like SSI, LIHEAP, Medicaid, and more.