Search and rescue. Veterans support. Animal welfare. Outdoor access. These are some of the critical issues that strengthen communities and reflect our deepest-held values. The challenge? Nonprofits are often on the front line of supporting these causes, and to do their heroic work, they’re in need of resources and funding themselves.
Enter the Defender Service Awards Presented by Chase. Now in its fifth year, the program honors the unsung heroes of our communities with a Defender 130 SUV and $30,000 in prize money. That can be a game changer for a local nonprofit, and it’s just the latest incarnation of Defender’s legacy of supporting charitable organizations. For decades, Defender has created legendary vehicles to take service workers on missions to help others, and now the Defender Service Awards recognizes hardworking nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Since 2021, the program has awarded 24 customized Defender SUVs and more than $1 million. In total, 90-plus nonprofits have benefited, enabling them to improve and expand their services.
The entry period for the 2025 Defender Service Awards is now open, so if you work for a deserving nonprofit, know someone who does, or simply want to make sure your favorite charitable organization gets a shot, now is the time to act. Here’s how it works.
Registered charity organizations based in the United States and Canada submit a video entry in one of six categories (below) by July 25, 2025. Once finalists are selected, public voting determines the overall winners, which receive a Defender 130 and $30,000 in prize money. All 30 finalists, including winners, receive $5,000 each from Presenting Partner CHASE.
The 2025 categories are:
- Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award, Presented by Disney
- Veteran and Civil Servant Outreach Award, Presented by Hearts & Science
- Community Service Award, Presented by ei3
- Search, Rescue and Emergency Support Services Award, Presented by Pelican
- Outdoor Accessibility and Education Award, Presented by Outside Interactive
- Defender Service Awards Honoree Award (for past finalists), Presented by S&P Global
What does winning mean for an organization? Just watch what past honorees have to say.
Ultimately, the Defender Service Awards are about expanding the ability of these nonprofits to serve their communities. That’s why the Defender 130 is such a beneficial prize. The three-row SUV transports up to eight volunteers, its generous cargo capacity can be used to haul critical gear or even animals, and 4WD helps access hard-to-reach locations.
Winners this year will be in good company. Just look at who took home top honors in 2024:
Category |
Nonprofit |
| Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award, Presented by Disney | Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary |
| Veteran and Civil Servant Outreach Award, Presented by Hearts & Science | The Station Foundation |
| Community Service Award, Presented by ei3 | Nathaniel’s Hope |
| Search, Rescue and Emergency Support Services Award, Presented by PELICAN | Linville‑Central Rescue Squad, Inc. |
| Outdoor Accessibility and Education Award, Presented by OUTSIDE Interactive Inc. | Pine River Institute |
| Defender Service Awards Honoree Award | Appalachian Wildlife Refuge |
Inspired to see your favorite nonprofit on the list of winners for the 2025 Defender Service Awards? Find all entry details here.
The Defender Brand embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern‑day hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own. The tough luxury Defender OCTA is the master of performance — taking performance and capability to another level on and off‑road. A beacon of liberty that can trace its heritage back to the first Land Rover in 1948, Defender is a brand that supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust. The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover — a mark of trust built on more than 75 years of expertise in technology and world‑leading off‑road capability. Defender vehicles are designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands alongside Range Rover, Discovery and Jaguar.
The post The 2025 Defender Service Awards Are Open! appeared first on Outside Online.
