What Share the Love Does

Share the Love is Subaru's annual charitable giving program that runs during the final months of the calendar year. When you buy or lease a new Subaru during the program period, Subaru donates money to a charity you choose from their approved list. You do not pay anything extra — the donation comes from Subaru's marketing budget, not from your purchase price or down payment.

The program typically runs from November through December, though Subaru occasionally extends it into early January. The donation amount varies by model year and vehicle type, but generally ranges from a few hundred to over one thousand dollars per vehicle. Subaru has run this program annually since 2008, making it one of the longest-running manufacturer donation programs in the auto industry.

The charities on the approved list change slightly from year to year, but they typically include national organizations focused on education, the environment, animal welfare, and disaster relief. Subaru publishes the full list on their official website each year when the program launches, and you can see exactly how much each vehicle type will donate before you make a purchase decision.

Key Takeaways

  • Share the Love runs during the final two months of each calendar year and donates Subaru's money, not yours, to a charity you select from an approved list.
  • The donation amount depends on which Subaru model you buy or lease and ranges from several hundred to over one thousand dollars per vehicle.
  • You choose which approved charity receives the donation at the time of purchase, and Subaru sends the money directly to that organization.
  • The program does not affect your vehicle's price, financing terms, or warranty — it is purely an additional charitable contribution tied to your transaction.
  • Subaru publishes the participating charities and donation amounts on their website before each program year begins.

How the Donation Amount Is Determined

Subaru sets a specific donation amount for each model and trim level, not a percentage of the purchase price. A 2024 Outback might donate $250, while a 2024 Ascent could donate $500 or more. These amounts are fixed for the program year and do not change based on how much you negotiate off the sticker price or what financing rate you receive.

The donation is the same whether you buy or lease the vehicle. Subaru covers the full amount from their corporate budget, so it does not reduce your rebates, incentives, or dealer discounts. If you are buying during Share the Love and also may have access to for other manufacturer incentives — such as seasonal rebates or loyalty bonuses — you receive both.

Subaru publishes a complete chart showing the donation amount for each model before the program starts. You can review this chart on Subaru's official website or ask your dealer to show you the amounts for the specific vehicles you are considering. This transparency lets you factor the donation into your decision if you are choosing between multiple models.

Which Charities Participate and How to Choose

The approved charity list typically includes four to six national organizations. In recent years, these have included the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the National Park Foundation, Meals on Wheels America, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, though the exact list changes annually. Subaru selects organizations that align with their brand values around community, the environment, and social responsibility.

You choose your charity at the dealership when you sign the purchase or lease paperwork. The dealer will show you the list and ask which organization you want to receive the donation. You do not need to decide before you arrive — the choice is made as part of the final paperwork, so you have time to think about it or ask questions.

Subaru sends the donation directly to the charity you selected, typically within a few weeks after your vehicle is delivered. You will receive documentation showing which charity was designated and the amount donated. Some charities send thank-you letters to the dealership or to Subaru, though the donation is made in your name as the vehicle purchaser.

Share the Love and Your Purchase Price

The Share the Love donation does not change what you pay for the vehicle. Your negotiated price, financing terms, trade-in value, and monthly payment are all separate from the charitable contribution. Dealers cannot use the donation as a reason to raise the price or reduce other discounts you would normally receive.

If you are comparing two dealerships and one offers a lower out-the-door price, the Share the Love donation does not offset that difference. The donation is a benefit to the charity, not a credit toward your purchase. Some buyers view it as a reason to buy during the program window rather than waiting until January, but the financial impact on your transaction is zero.

Subaru does not offer a tax deduction to you for the Share the Love donation. Because Subaru is making the donation, not you, the charitable contribution is claimed by Subaru for tax purposes. You cannot deduct it on your personal tax return, even though the money is given in your name.

When Share the Love Runs and How to Confirm Participation

The program officially runs from November 1 through December 31 each year. Subaru occasionally extends the end date into early January if sales are strong, but the standard window is the final two months of the calendar year. If you are planning to buy or lease a Subaru and want to participate, check the timing before you visit the dealership.

To confirm that Share the Love is active and see the current charity list and donation amounts, visit Subaru's official website or call your local Subaru dealer. The dealer can tell you when ready whether the program is running, which charities are available, and how much your specific vehicle will donate. You do not need to register or pre-enroll — the program is automatic for any new vehicle purchase or lease during the active period.

If you are buying a used Subaru or a vehicle outside the program window, Share the Love does not explore. The program is only for new model year vehicles purchased or leased during the designated months. Certified pre-owned Subarus and vehicles bought in other months do not participate.

What Happens After You Buy or Lease

Once you sign the paperwork and designate your charity, Subaru handles the rest. You do not need to do anything else to complete the donation. Subaru sends the money to the organization you selected, and the charity receives the full amount without any processing fees or deductions.

You will typically receive a confirmation letter or email showing the charity name, donation amount, and the vehicle you purchased. Some charities also send acknowledgment letters to the dealership. If you want to track the donation or receive updates from the charity, you can contact them directly and let them know you were part of the Share the Love program.

The Share the Love donation does not affect your vehicle's warranty, service coverage, or any other aspect of ownership. It is purely a one-time charitable contribution tied to your purchase date. Your warranty and service benefits are the same whether you buy during Share the Love or any other time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose multiple charities or split the donation between organizations?

No. You select one charity from the approved list, and the entire donation amount goes to that organization. You cannot split the donation or designate multiple charities. If you want to support more than one organization, you would need to make separate personal donations outside of the Share the Love program.

What if my preferred charity is not on the approved list?

You must choose from Subaru's approved list for the program year. If your preferred organization is not included, you can contact Subaru's customer service to suggest it for future years, but you cannot designate an unlisted charity during the current program. You can always make a separate personal donation to any organization you support.

Does the donation reduce my vehicle's price or my monthly payment?

No. The Share the Love donation is separate from your purchase price and financing. It does not lower what you pay or reduce your monthly payment. Subaru covers the donation from their own budget, so it has no impact on your out-of-pocket costs.

Can I get a tax deduction for the Share the Love donation?

No. Because Subaru is making the donation, not you, only Subaru can claim it for tax purposes. You cannot deduct it on your personal tax return, even though the money is given in your name. If you want a tax-deductible donation, you would need to make a separate personal contribution to the charity.

What if I return or trade in my vehicle shortly after purchase?

The donation is made when you purchase the vehicle, not when you keep it for a certain period. If you return the vehicle during a trial period or trade it in later, the donation to the charity has already been sent and cannot be reversed. The donation is tied to the purchase transaction, not to your long-term ownership.