Automakers Steer Toward Philanthropy: From Wish-granting to STEM Classes

Managing Editor

Almost all automakers donate to charities, but there are a few that go beyond, making charitable endeavors a cornerstone of the company's plans.

For four years Porsche has worked with the Make-a-Wish foundation across the world. In honor of the company's 75th anniversary in 2023, it decided to grant 356 wishes (noting the numerals of its first vehicle).

More than 200 wishes have been granted to date because of the partnership, including 120 dreams in 2024. Among those is the wish of a child from Taiwan who had always dreamed of becoming a race car driver. He was able to tour some of Porsche's most famous vehicles and was given a customized racing suit and helmet before learning some racing techniques.

"The feedback from Make-a-Wish, the children and their families is overwhelming. It's always a huge highlight and something very special for the children and their families to have a wish fulfilled, usually in very difficult times. It gives them a little break from everyday life and a real boost of hope. And it is also a very special experience for all those involved who can make such a wish come true," a Porsche spokesperson told Newsweek.

Porsche Make a Wish — Porsche set up one Make a Wish recipient with his own race suit and a special racing technique class. Porsche Cars North America

Ford Philanthropy, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, has made more than $2 billion in donations since 1949. In 2024, the company partnered with 470 nonprofits and community organizations. It also saw 55,000 Ford employee volunteer hours contributed in 31 countries.

"Giving back has been an integral part of Ford's history and values since the very beginning," said Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy, in a press release. "Whether we're connecting families with fresh food, helping neighborhoods rebuild after a disaster, or expanding access to careers in mobility, at Ford Philanthropy, we are passionate about working with our local partners and employee volunteers to help build equity and drive progress in Ford communities around the world."

The annual Share the Love campaign sees Subaru donates $250 for every new vehicle sold or leased to one of four national charities of the buyers choice: ASPCA, Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheel or the National Park Foundation. Since its inception, the campaign has raised almost $300 million for those charities. Its retailers also support hundreds of local hometown charities each year.

Jeep has supported local and national charities for decades. In Michigan, where the brand has its North America headquarters, the automaker has been a corporate partner of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA) for more than 10 years. The automaker works with JRLA to provide scholarships, mentoring, cultural field trips, special events, recognition awards and building improvements. The Academy aims to give students the skills they need to get into and graduate college.

Nationally, the Jeep brand has supported the USO (United Service Organizations) since 2008. Jeep provides vehicles and supports USO gaming efforts while the company's employees works at care package assembly events.

"At Jeep, we believe in driving change on and off the road. Jeep and the USO have both existed since 1941, by supporting this organization, it allows us to honor and uplift our brave service members. And our partnership with the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy helps us to empower the next generation of leaders. Together, we are committed to making a lasting impact in our communities and beyond," a Jeep spokesperson told Newsweek.

Jeep has partnered with the Jalen Rose Academy and the USO. Stellantis

In 2023, the Toyota USA Foundation expanded its Driving Possibilities charitable efforts to eight additional U.S. locations, primarily in the American South.

Driving Possibilities is a science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) education and community engagement initiative that works to close educational gaps. The organization teams up with local nonprofits to put resource centers at the schools that need them. Students can get necessary goods and services like food, vision screenings and therapy appointments.

Toyota has pledged $110 million in donations over five years and so far, more than 6,000 students have been helped by the almost 150 Toyota team members who volunteered to teach STEM lessons.

For nearly a quarter century, Nissan has partnered with Habitat for Humanity. The partnership kicked off in the early 2000s when the company donated 50 trucks and mobilized employees to assist in home building following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast region. Overall, it has donated more than $21 million and over 160 vehicles, and the company's employees have built more than 300 homes.