We know that donating your vehicle can feel daunting, and skepticism is a natural part of the process. At Valor Wheels, we prioritize transparency to help you understand what happens to your car after donation. We believe that every step should be clear and verifiable, ensuring you feel confident in your choice to donate.
This page outlines the chronological timeline of your donation journey, from the moment we pick up your vehicle to the receipt you'll receive for tax purposes. By following this process, you can see exactly how your donation is utilized to support our mission and the community we serve.
✓Key facts you can verify
- Valor Wheels is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Donors can verify our status on the IRS pub78 lookup tool.
- Proceeds from auction sales are used to fund local transportation assistance programs.
- Tax receipts are sent within 30 days of your vehicle's sale.
- We maintain a transparent and publicly accessible Form 990.
- Valor Wheels is listed on Charity Navigator, demonstrating trustworthiness.
- Albuquerque's Attorney General monitors non-profit activities for compliance.
How it works, step by step
Pickup (Day 0)
On the designated pickup day, our team arrives at your location to collect your vehicle. This process is quick and hassle-free, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about transporting the car yourself.
Transport to Auction Lot (Days 0-5)
After pickup, your vehicle is transported to one of our secure auction lots. During this time, we ensure the vehicle is safely stored and prepared for inspection, taking care of all logistics involved.
Inspection + Title Verification (Days 3-10)
Our team conducts a thorough inspection of your vehicle and verifies the title. This ensures that we are compliant with all legal requirements and ready for the next steps in the process.
Auction Listing (Days 7-21)
Once inspected, your vehicle is listed for auction. This listing includes detailed descriptions and photographs to attract potential buyers and maximize the proceeds from your donation.
Sale (Days 14-45)
The auction process typically takes place within two weeks to a month. Once sold, we start processing the proceeds from the sale, ensuring that your donation is put to good use.
Proceeds Distribution (Days 30-60)
Proceeds from the auction sale are allocated to fund our programs and services. We ensure that the funds are used effectively to support our community-driven initiatives.
1098-C Receipt Mailed (Days 30-60)
You will receive your 1098-C tax receipt through the mail within 30 days of the sale. This allows you to claim your deduction based on the actual sale price of the vehicle.
Verify it yourself
✓ IRS Status Verification
How: You can check our registered status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on the IRS pub78 lookup tool, ensuring we are recognized as a legitimate charitable organization.
✓ Charity Ratings
How: Visit Charity Navigator to view our ratings and learn more about our financial health and accountability practices, providing transparency regarding how we operate.
✓ State Registration
How: Check with the New Mexico Attorney General's office to confirm our registration as a charitable organization and to see any consumer protection measures in place.
✓ Annual Reports
How: Access our Form 990 through the Guidestar platform to review our financial statements, program activities, and overall impact in the community.
Real impact, real numbers
Since our establishment, Valor Wheels has provided thousands of rides to individuals in need of transportation assistance. Last year alone, we facilitated over 1,500 rides, helping individuals reach employment opportunities, medical appointments, and essential services. By donating your vehicle, you directly contribute to these impactful programs; for every vehicle sold, we can fund several rides that change lives.
Albuquerque oversight
In Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability. The New Mexico Secretary of State maintains a charity registry to safeguard donors. In the event of any complaints, you can contact the Attorney General’s office, which oversees non-profit practices. Local consumer protection resources are also available to ensure transparency and trust in charitable donations.