The Darwin Initiative Grant 2026 in UK is a UK government grants scheme that supports projects conserving and restoring nature while growing economies and reducing poverty. This round focuses on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries, offering funding through three schemes: Extra, Main, and Capability & Capacity.
The Darwin Initiative is a UK government program that funds biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction projects worldwide. It aims to help communities find just, scalable, and sustainable ways to conserve and restore nature, with a focus on systems strengthening including institutions, markets, and governance.
Darwin Initiative Grant Benefits
- Grants range between £200,000 and £1,000,000 depending on the type of grant and project scope.
- Funding for projects through the Darwin Initiative grant schemes, including support for biodiversity conservation and restoration, poverty reduction, community resilience, and systems strengthening.
- Main Projects: 2–5 years duration.
- Smaller Innovation or Partnership Projects: Usually 2–3 years duration.
- Flexibility: The exact length should match the scale of your proposed work and the outcomes you aim to achieve.
Darwin Initiative Grant Eligibility Criteria
- Projects should support communities to find just, scalable, and sustainable ways to conserve and restore nature while growing their economies and reducing poverty.
- Round 32 focuses on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries.
- Organisations are limited to lead on one application per scheme.
- Organisations may appear on an unlimited number of applications as partners.
- The Darwin Initiative Innovation scheme will no longer accept new applications in Round 32.
How to Apply for Darwin Initiative Grant
- Review the scheme guidance and application requirements on the Darwin Initiative application portal.
- Choose the relevant scheme: Extra, Main, or Capability & Capacity.
- Because scheme deadlines differ, make sure you submit under the correct funding window.
- For full guidance and updates, use the official source below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Darwin Initiative Grant. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Darwin Initiative Grant?
The Darwin Initiative Grant is a UK government grants scheme that supports projects conserving and restoring nature while growing economies and reducing poverty. Round 32 focuses on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries.
What is the deadline for the Darwin Initiative Grant 2026?
The first deadline is Wednesday 1 July 2026 for Darwin Initiative Extra Stage 1. Other scheme deadlines include Monday 20 July 2026 for Main Stage 1 and Monday 31 August 2026 for Capability & Capacity Single Stage.
How much funding is available through the Darwin Initiative Grant?
Grants range between £200,000 and £1,000,000, depending on the type of grant and project scope. Main Projects last 2–5 years, while smaller Innovation or Partnership Projects usually last 2–3 years.
Who can apply for the Darwin Initiative Grant?
Organisations can apply, but they are limited to lead on one application per scheme. Organisations may appear on an unlimited number of applications as partners. Projects must focus on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries.
What are the eligible countries for the Darwin Initiative Grant?
Round 32 prioritises projects in biodiversity-rich regions across 35 countries. The regions covered include Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and small island states. Countries must fall within one of the 13 biodiversity hotspots identified by Defra.
What schemes are available under the Darwin Initiative Grant?
Applicants can apply through three schemes: Extra, Main, and Capability & Capacity. The Darwin Initiative Innovation scheme will no longer accept new applications in Round 32.
How do I apply for the Darwin Initiative Grant?
Applicants should review the scheme guidance and application requirements on the Darwin Initiative application portal. Then, choose the relevant scheme: Extra, Main, or Capability & Capacity. Make sure to submit under the correct funding window.
What is the focus of the Darwin Initiative Grant Round 32?
Round 32 focuses on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries. The funding round highlights systems strengthening, including support for institutions, markets, and governance that can help projects scale their impact.
Can I apply for multiple schemes under the Darwin Initiative Grant?
Organisations are limited to lead on one application per scheme. However, organisations may appear on an unlimited number of applications as partners.
What is the project duration for the Darwin Initiative Grant?
Main Projects last 2–5 years. Smaller Innovation or Partnership Projects usually last 2–3 years. The exact length should match the scale of your proposed work and the outcomes you aim to achieve.
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