Donating your car is a generous act, but it’s natural to have questions about what happens once your vehicle leaves your hands. At Drive Forward in Hartford, we recognize that skepticism is valid and strive to be transparent in our operations. This page will walk you through the chronological timeline of your donation, ensuring you understand how your vehicle is handled and the benefits you can expect.
We believe that transparency should be the norm, not the exception. From the moment we pick up your car to the time you receive your tax receipt, we’re committed to keeping you informed. Knowledge is power, and we want you to feel confident in your decision to support our mission of providing transportation assistance to those in need.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Drive Forward is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
- All vehicle donations are processed in compliance with IRS regulations.
- Donors can check our IRS status via the IRS pub78 lookup tool.
- Donors receive a 1098-C receipt for tax purposes.
- We are accountable to the Connecticut Attorney General's office.
- Drive Forward is rated by Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau.
How it works, step by step
Pickup (Day 0)
Once you schedule your donation with Drive Forward, we will arrive to pick up your vehicle at a time that works for you. This marks the beginning of our transparent process.
Transport to Auction Lot (Day 0-5)
After pickup, your vehicle is transported to our secure auction lot, where it will remain until inspection. This process typically occurs within 5 days.
Inspection + Title Verification (Day 3-10)
During this period, our team conducts a thorough inspection of your vehicle and verifies its title to ensure compliance with state regulations, ensuring a smooth sale.
Auction Listing (Day 7-21)
Your vehicle is then listed for auction. This listing will take place within 21 days from pickup, maximizing visibility to prospective buyers.
Sale (Day 14-45)
The auction process typically results in a sale within 45 days. The gross proceeds from the sale will ultimately benefit our charitable programs.
Proceeds Distribution (Day 30-60)
After the vehicle is sold, we allocate the proceeds directly to fund our transportation assistance programs within 60 days.
1098-C Receipt Mailed (Day 30-60)
You will receive your 1098-C receipt within 30 days of the sale, which will reflect the actual sale price or fair market value, depending on how your vehicle was used.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Status Verification
How: You can verify our 501(c)(3) status by using the IRS pub78 lookup tool, ensuring your donation is tax-deductible.
✓ Charity Rating
How: Review our ratings on Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau to see our commitment to transparency and accountability.
✓ Attorney General Registry
How: Check the Connecticut Attorney General’s charity registry for registered charities in the state, including Drive Forward.
✓ Form 990 Access
How: Our financial statements are available on GuideStar, where you can review our Form 990 for an overview of our operations and finances.
Real impact, real numbers
Every vehicle donation helps Drive Forward provide essential transportation assistance to individuals in Hartford. Last year alone, we raised over $150,000 from car donations, directly impacting over 300 families. By enabling reliable transportation, we help individuals maintain jobs, access medical care, and support their families, creating ripples of positive change throughout our community.
Hartford oversight
As a charity operating in Hartford, we adhere to Connecticut state laws regulating charitable organizations. Donors can file complaints through the Connecticut Attorney General’s office if ever needed. For further consumer protection, local resources are available to ensure transparency and accountability in our operations, reinforcing our commitment to community well-being.