ABOUT THE DEFENDER SERVICE AWARDS PRESENTED BY CHASE
Nonprofits are the unsung heroes of our communities. For decades, Defender has created vehicles with the legendary capability needed to take service workers on their mission to help others, and for the past four 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 million and 24 custom Defender models to these deserving groups.
Now in 2025, we're celebrating our fifth year of recognizing extraordinary nonprofits, 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.
Each category finalist will be given a $5,000 USD 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, Disney, Hearts & Science, ei3, PELICAN, OUTSIDE Interactive, Inc and S&P Global for helping to make this possible.
“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
THE 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 to make the process seamless.
Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach Award – Presented by Hearts & Science
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.
CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS
THE WINNERS
Congratulations to the 2024 Defender Service Awards winners. See our winners below and click to learn more about their missions.
THE WINNERS
Congratulations to the 2023 Defender Service Awards presented by Chase winners. See our winners below and click to learn more about the work they do.
THE WINNERS
Congratulations to the 2022 Defender Service Awards presented by Chase winners. See our winners below and click to learn more about the work they do.
THE WINNERS
Congratulations to the 2021 Defender Service Awards winners. See our winners below and click to learn more about the work they do.
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 (2021-2024 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 (May 16, 2025, to July 25, 2025), 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 July 25 2025, 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 October 3, 2025. 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 December 1, 2025.
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Begins on 5/16/25 and ends on 7/25/25. TO ENTER MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER IN THE 50 UNITED STATES AND D.C., PUERTO RICO, OR CANADA, AN ELIGIBLE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION, AND HAVE AT LEAST ONE DIRECTOR THAT IS 18 YEARS OR OLDER RESIDING IN THE 50 UNITED STATES AND D.C., PUERTO RICO, OR CANADA. Contest is void where prohibited by law. Contest subject to the complete Official Rules. Visit www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events-and-sponsorships/defender-service-awards/official-contest-rules.html or www.landrover.ca/en/experiences/sponsorship/defender-service-awards/official-contest-rules.html for Official Rules and prize descriptions. Sponsor: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC, 100 Jaguar Land Rover Way, Mahwah, NJ 07495.