The 2026 Defender Service Awards open voting on July 29, inviting the public to choose six nonprofit finalists that will each receive a customized Defender 130 SUV and a $30,000 grant.
How the awards work
Nonprofits across the United States and Canada submit entries in six categories, ranging from wildlife rescue to veteran outreach. From July 29 to August 14, voters watch finalist videos on the program’s website and cast ballots for their preferred organizations. Winners are announced at Destination Defender, a weekend event in Temecula, California, scheduled for the week of September 11.
Categories and 2026 finalists
The Animal, Wildlife & Marine Mammal Welfare Award includes groups such as Pacific Wildlife Care in San Luis Obispo, CA, and the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society, which won the 2025 award.
The Community Services category features the First Baptist Gatlinburg Food Pantry in Tennessee and Whistler Community Services Society in British Columbia.
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Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services finalists include Big Horn County Search and Rescue in Wyoming and Grey Bull Rescue in Tampa, FL.
Each category’s winner receives a Defender 130—an off‑road vehicle known for durability—and the cash prize, funded by Presenting Partner CHASE and a slate of sponsors that includes Disney, ei3, Pelican, S&P Global Mobility, and WPP.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has awarded 30 customized Defender SUVs and more than $1.5 million in total funding, supporting over 120 nonprofits. All finalists receive a $5,000 contribution, ensuring that even those who do not win benefit from the initiative.
The broader impact lies in improving community service models that often operate under the radar. By showcasing these groups, the program helps attract volunteers, donors, and media attention that can sustain their missions beyond the award year.
Voting is simple: visitors to the Defender Service Awards site can view short videos that illustrate each nonprofit’s work, then select their top choices. The process is designed to be transparent, with voting windows clearly posted and results compiled by the organizers.
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For those unfamiliar with the Defender brand, the vehicle’s legacy traces back to the first Land Rover in 1948, and it now forms part of the JLR family alongside Range Rover and Jaguar. The brand’s involvement in humanitarian efforts includes partnerships with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust.
In the context of nonprofit funding, the award can cover operational costs, expand program reach, or fund critical equipment. However, the true value may be the publicity that comes with a high‑profile vehicle, which can open doors to new partnerships and long‑term sustainability.
Organizers encourage voters to consider the tangible benefits of each nonprofit’s work, whether it’s delivering emergency food, rescuing wildlife, or supporting veterans.
Voting ends on August 14.
