The Defender brand announces the sixth annual Defender Service Awards presented by CHASE, supporting charitable organizations across North America
Charitable organizations from the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada can enter for the opportunity to receive a customized Defender 130 vehicle and prize money
Six Award Categories include Animal, Wildlife and Marine Mammal Welfare; Community Services; Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services; Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach; Outdoor Accessibility & Education and Defender Service Honorees
Defender Service Awards accepts video submissions from charitable organizations from April 1, 2026, to June 1, 2026
As Presenting Partner, CHASE will donate $5,000 to each of the 30 category finalists, while Premier Partner Artemis will contribute $100,000, and BBC Studios joins as a Gold Level Sponsor with a $75,000 contribution
Thanks to the generosity of category sponsors including Disney, ei3, Outside Inc., Pelican, S&P Global Mobility and WPP, $30,000 in prize money will be awarded by Defender Service Awards to each category winner
For information and rules on the Defender Service Awards presented by CHASE visit https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events‑and‑sponsorships/defender‑service‑awards/index.html
Mahwah, NJ – Wednesday April 1, 2026: Defender, the original British adventure brand, is recognized worldwide for promoting humanitarian action, conservation and adventure. Today, the Defender brand proudly announces the sixth annual ‘Defender Service Awards’ presented by CHASE, honoring charitable organizations across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada that embody the unstoppable spirit of the Defender brand. Eligible organizations are invited to submit videos demonstrating how a new Defender 130 vehicle would support their mission within one of the six award categories:
‑ Animal, Wildlife & Marine Mammal Welfare Award – Presented by Disney
‑ Community Services Award – Presented by ei3
‑ Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services Award – Presented by Pelican
‑ Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach Award – Presented by WPP
‑ Outdoor Accessibility & Education Award – Presented by Outside Inc.
‑ Defender Service Honorees Award (previous finalists) – Presented by S&P Global Mobility
Corporate partners have joined this initiative to strengthen support for organizations across all award categories. As Presenting Partner, CHASE will donate $5,000 to each of the five finalists in every category totaling $150,000 across 30 finalists. Premier Partner Artemis will contribute an additional $100,000 while BBC Studios will provide $75,000 as the Gold Level Sponsor to further support the Defender Service Awards.
We’re honored to continue our support for the Defender Service Awards presented by Chase, a program that shines a light on the dedication, resilience, and innovation of organizations working tirelessly to uplift the communities we call home.
Leslie Wims Morris
CEO, Chase Auto
Category sponsors include Disney, ei3, Outside Inc., Pelican, S&P Global Mobility and WPP. Thanks to the generosity of their sponsorship, winning organizations will be provided $30,000 each to advance their missions.
A fully customized Defender 130 vehicle will be awarded to each winning organization, enabling them to expand their impact. With three rows of seating for up to eight people and 88.9 cubic feet (2,516 liters) of load capacity, the Defender 130 vehicle is purpose‑built to support their mission. Winners will collaborate with the Defender team to equip the vehicle with accessories and custom exterior wrap.
Each year, the Defender Service Awards highlight the incredible work charitable organizations are doing to support their communities. We’re proud to celebrate their dedication and help bring greater visibility to the impact they make every day.
Charlotte Blank
North America Director, Defender
The greater community can nominate worthy local organizations, and charitable organizations may submit an entry form and a three‑minute video outlining their mission, how it addresses a need in their community and how a Defender 130 vehicle would further their work. Submissions are open from April 1 to June 1, 2026, followed by an internal judging period to determine the finalists. Category finalists’ videos will be posted for public voting beginning on July 29, 2026, with winners announced in September 2026.
In its sixth year, Defender Service Awards continues to honor the impactful efforts of charitable organizations supporting communities across North America. Since its inception in 2021, the program has granted more than $1.5 million USD in awards and distributed 30 Defender vehicles to organizations in the US and Canada.
To learn more about the Defender brand, vehicles, and the Defender Service Awards Presented by CHASE, please visit: www.landroverusa.com / www.landrover.ca
ENDS