ABOUT THE DEFENDER SERVICE AWARDS PRESENTED BY CHASE
Charitable organizations are the unsung heroes of our communities. For decades, Defender has created legendary vehicles to take service workers on missions to help others, and for the past five years, it’s also been our mission to recognize these selfless organizations through the Defender Service Awards. Since its inception in 2021, we’ve awarded over $1.5 million and 30 custom Defender vehicles to these deserving groups.
Now in 2026, we’re celebrating our sixth year of recognizing extraordinary organizations, continuing to award six customized Defender 130 vehicles to six charitable organizations across the US, Puerto Rico and Canada who are supporting their communities every day.
Thanks to the generosity of Chase, each category finalist will be given a $5,000 cash prize to aid in their services, while the winners in each category will receive $30,000 USD. Special thanks to our partnerships with Chase, Artemis, BBC, Disney, ei3, OUTSIDE Interactive, Inc., PELICAN, S&P Global Mobility, and WPP for helping to make this possible.
NOMINATE AN ORGANIZATION TODAY
Know of an organization doing incredible work? Nominate them by sharing their information with us and we’ll notify them so they can complete the full entry process. Your nomination is a meaningful way to support their mission and help expand their impact.
THE CATEGORIES
Nominate a worthy organization or enter your own in one of five categories.
Animal, Wildlife & Marine Mammal Welfare Award – Presented by Disney
Community pounds and shelters, wildlife rescue, marine conservation. If the wildlife and aquatic animals you rescue need to travel with you, the Defender can be equipped with accessories and an interior protection pack that make the process seamless.
Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach Award – Presented by WPP
Support, protection, security. From the veterans who served our country and kept us safe who need extra support post-service, to wounded warriors, firefighters, first responders and police officers injured in action, the Defender is ready to serve their needs.
READY TO ENTER?
Have your organization create a video that is up to three minutes long and demonstrates how they go above and beyond to defend your community, the need the organization addresses, and how your team would benefit from a Defender 130 vehicle.
"The 'Defender Service Awards' are a beloved initiative that we are proud to bring back for a sixth year. Celebrating the organizations that make a difference in our communities speaks to the core of the Defender brand -that it is most powerful when it's on a mission to help others."
Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO,
Jaguar Land Rover North America
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2025
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2024
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2023
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2022
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2021
PAST WINNERS
Congratulations to the 2025 Defender Service Awards winners. See our winners below and click to learn more about their missions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I read the full contest rules?
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All the details you need to enter can be found on our Official Contest Rules page.
Who can be entered for consideration?
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Only charitable organizations with a 501(c)(3) status or registered Canadian charity status are eligible for the Defender Service Awards presented by Chase. Each charitable organization must fall into one of six categories of service: 1) Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach; 2) Community Services; 3) Animal, Wildlife & Marine Mammal Welfare; 4) Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services; 5) Outdoor Accessibility & Education; 6) Defender Service Honorees (2021–2025 Finalists who did not win their category).
How can my organization enter?
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Create a video that is up to three minutes long and demonstrates how your charitable organization goes above and beyond to defend your community, the need the organization addresses and how your team would benefit from a Defender 130. During the Contest Entry Period (April 1, 2026, to June 1, 2026), upload your video and information using the entry form by clicking “Enter Now.”
What information must be included in my organization’s submission?
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All video submissions must:
- Showcase the Nominee organization’s mission, values and activities, bringing to life the passion, energy, scope and enthusiasm of staff and volunteers, and illustrating how the organization aligns and represents the values of Defender Service Awards and those of the category sponsor; AND
- Describe the urgent and immediate needs the Nominee organization’s efforts address in the community; AND
- Explain why the Nominee organization would like to add a new vehicle to their current operation; AND
- Share how a new Defender vehicle would benefit the organization’s ability to serve the community both short and long term, including detail on how one or more features of the Defender vehicle will be used to enhance operations or expand your mission.
What are the video submission requirements?
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Your submission can be filmed professionally or shot on your cell phone. Any level of experience is welcome, as long as your footage is recorded in widescreen or a horizontal screen orientation. The video can be up to three minutes long. For any music included in your video, upon sponsors’ request, you must be able to provide proof you have secured the rights to use that music for contest, advertising, publicity and promotional purposes. When in doubt, if the music rights are not secured, please do not include music in your video submission.
When are submissions due?
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All entries and accompanying videos must be submitted via the Land Rover website by June 1, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET.
How will voting work?
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After the submission window closes, the Defender Service Awards team will select up to five finalists per category. Finalists will be announced on this page and the vote for winners will open to the public on July 29, 2026. Click on “Vote Now” to watch the finalists’ videos and cast up to one vote per day, per category, for the organization you feel deserves to win.
When will the winners be announced?
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All winners will be announced no later than October 1, 2026.
No purchase or payment necessary to enter to win. A purchase will not increase your chance of winning. The Defender Service Awards (“contest”) is open to individuals 18 years of age or older residing in the 50 United States, the District of Colombia (“D.C.”), Puerto Rico or Canada and are a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or Canadian registered charity who have at least one director who is 18 years of age or older residing in the 50 United States, D.C., Puerto Rico or Canada, and will be governed by U.S. law. Entries can be submitted beginning 4/1/2026 and ending 6/1/2026. Contest is void outside of the 50 United States, D.C., Puerto Rico or Canada and where prohibited by law. Contest subject to the complete Official Rules.