The Darwin Initiative is a UK government grants scheme that helps to protect biodiversity and the natural environment in developing countries.
Darwin-funded projects usually aim to help preserve biodiversity and the local community that lives alongside it. Most projects will include one or more of:
- building environmental knowledge
- capacity building
- research
- implementing international biodiversity agreements
Since 1992, the Darwin Initiative has awarded over £177m to more than 1,220 projects across 159 countries.
How to apply
You will need to apply online for Round 28 Darwin Initiative main projects through the Flexi-Grant application portal. Applications are currently open for Darwin Main projects only. Further detail on upcoming schemes to follow in due course.
Before applying, please read the following guidance:
- Round 28 Guidance notes for applicants
- Round 28 Finance Guidance
- Flexi-Grant Guidance
- Monitoring, evaluation and learning guidance
- Privacy Notice
- Round 28 Terms and conditions
Once you have read the guidance, complete the Darwin Initiative Round 28 – Stage 1 application form on the Flexi-Grant application portal. For drafting purposes, you may find the Darwin Initiative Round 28 – Stage 1 application form useful.
If you are invited to Stage 2, you will be asked to complete the Stage 2 application form on the Flexi-Grant portal. For drafting purposes, you may find the Darwin Initiative Round 28 – Stage 2 application form useful.
When to apply
There is a two-stage application process for main round Darwin projects. Applications are currently open for Darwin Main projects only. Further detail on upcoming schemes to follow in due course.
The timetable for Round 28 for Darwin Main is set out below:
- call for Stage 1 applications: Tuesday 17 August 2021
- deadline for Stage 1 applications: Tuesday 28 September 2021
- expected outcome of Stage 1 and notification of applicants invited to Stage 2: Mid December 2021
- deadline for Stage 2 applications (by invitation only): Monday 31 January 2022
- expected notification of successful projects: End of April 2022
- expected start date for successful projects: 1 June 2022
Who can apply
Please refer to the guidance for the list of countries eligible for the scheme. Organisations making the application must:
- have experience of managing similar projects in developing countries
- be able to demonstrate financial stability and provide audited accounts
- the proposed project leader must have suitable qualifications or a minimum of around 10 years’ experience working on similar projects in developing countries.
