GREATNESS FOUND. BOUNDARIES BROKEN.
One global search. Hundreds of applications. We've been inspired by the extraordinary organisations who share our mission to defend the planet. The Defenders of Tomorrow.
56 unstoppable organisations from seven countries have been shortlisted by local expert panels of explorers, conservationists, filmmakers and sustainability leaders for the first ever Defender Awards. Seven winners will each receive $200,000 , a Defender for two years and expert mentorship to empower their mission for the next two years.
DEFENDERS OF HUMANITY
Defender’s capability and versatility are perfectly suited for transporting aid to people who need it most. From food poverty in the UK to flooding in Italy, our humanitarian missions continue to help vulnerable communities regardless of location.
DEFENDERS OF THE SEA
Coastlines and rivers are fundamental to the survival of our planet. Rich environments for adventure and exploration, their future health and prosperity demands purposeful and powerful action.
DEFENDERS OF THE LAND
Many of the terrains the original Defender explored 75 years ago are now beyond recognition. Our land mission is to protect and rewild remaining ecosystems, whether it’s a Moorlands in rural England or a rainforest in Australia.
DEFENDERS OF THE WILD
For almost 20 years, Defender has helped increase vital protection for more than 40 threatened species across Africa. We continue to seek projects around the world that are committed to protecting our wildlife, whatever its size.
MEET THE DEFENDERS OF TOMORROW
Click here to navigate to the inspirational projects shortlisted for the Defender Awards.
A LEGACY OF PURPOSE
Since 1948 Defender has helped expand knowledge of our planet’s ecosystems by navigating places many thought impossible to reach.


DEMO
*Our definition of small charity or organisation is one which generates a gross income of under $1,000,000 per year.
To qualify you will need to go through a three-stage application process. As part of this process we will undertake independent third-party eligibility checks. For more information about these checks, please see our Q&A.
The awards process has been designed to make it as easy as possible to apply to the programme.
Stage One: This first stage of the application process is designed to ensure that your organisation is of the right size, scale and in the right sectors to be eligible for the programme.
Stage Two: A more detailed application in which you will need to outline specific information about the project for which you require support. Details of how you will use the funding and vehicle and how you will measure the impact. Here you will need to showcase your film making skills as we will require a 60 – 90 second video providing an elevator pitch of your project.
Stage Three: A panel of experts will review the final shortlisted applications and select the winners.