Jaguar Land Rover Foundation: Defender Awards
Overview
Background
The Defender Awards is a new programme designed to further extend Defender's support of humanitarian and conservation organisations around the world. The brand has worked hand in hand with global partners The Red Cross and Tusk for decades, supporting their tireless work at a global level. This programme will enable Defender to support more, smaller organisations that are embracing the impossible every day.
What's on offer
Winners of the awards will receive:
- £100k funding (or local country equivalent) £50k in year one and £50k in year two.
- A Defender for two years.
- Communications and PR support.
- Mentoring from subject matter experts.
The Defender Awards is a two-year programme. Each winner will receive support from Defender over a two-year period.
They will be awarding 7 winners across the participating markets, i.e. one winner for the UK market will be selected out of all Finalists submitted to the Global Super Panel, on Tuesday 2nd September 2025.
Who can apply
In the first phase of the programme, they are welcoming applications from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Organisations applying must be registered in line with local legislative requirements.
Small charities and non-profit organisations with an annual income of below £500k (or local currency equivalent) that focus their work on humanitarian and conservation in these countries can apply.
The competition is free to enter and open to individuals aged 18 or over who are members of small NGOs or charitable organisations.
Award Categories
The four award categories have been designed to support a breadth of cause-based projects in the humanitarian and conservation space and are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Defenders of the Land
Driven by an adventurous spirit, Defender can take you to places others fear to tread. Parts of the world that are inaccessible, across terrain and landscapes that test endurance.
They recognise that many of the landscapes we first encountered 70 years ago have changed beyond recognition. Their mission is to help protect and rewild some of the world’s most fragile landscapes. Whether it’s Moorlands in rural England or a rainforest in Australia, they are seeking projects that are dedicated to protecting these important ecosystems.
Defenders of the Sea
Our oceans and coastlines are fundamental to the survival of our planet. They provide an incredible backdrop for adventure and exploration, but their future health and prosperity require purposeful and powerful action. Their mission is to help address the many challenges affecting sea life and coastal communities. Whether it’s water pollution in France or unsustainable fishing practices in Japan, they are seeking projects that are dedicated to supporting marine and coastal species, and the ecosystems on which they rely.
Note - the primary focus of the Defenders of the Sea category is on marine ecosystems, including marine species and coastal communities.
Defenders of the Wild
For almost 20 years, they have helped Tusk to deliver its ambitions conservation mission in Africa. They have increased vital protection for over 50 million hectares of land and supporting more than 40 threatened species. But it is not only the big five that face the threat of extinction. Their mission is to help protect indigenous species of all types and sizes. Whether it’s the Alpine Shrew in Germany or Vultures in South Africa, they are seeking projects that are committed to helping protect endangered and at-risk species, whatever their size.
Defenders of Humanity
In 1954, two Series I Land Rover vehicles were sent with accompanying nurses to remote areas in Dubai and Kenya. They had a singular purpose — to bring communities much-needed medical and welfare services. The vehicles’ off-road capabilities ensured that the terrain was not a hindrance in vital aid reaching the people that needed it most. Their mission is to help vulnerable communities, ensuring they can prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises, whenever and wherever they strike. Whether it’s food poverty in the UK or supporting the victims of flooding in Italy, they are seeking projects that are supporting people and communities in their time of need.