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 SP 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.

　　Enter Now

　　Winners this year will be in good company. Just look at who took home top honors in 2024: