Darwin Initiative Main Grant

About this grant

Darwin Initiative Main is a UK-government-funded grant scheme, run through the Biodiversity Challenge Funds (BCF) and administered by NIRAS, that supports projects delivering strong results for biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction. The page describes it as seeking projects grounded in good evidence that clearly show potential to scale further. Projects are funded for between £200,000 and £1,000,000 and should run for 2 to 5 years maximum. Applications follow a two-stage process: a Stage 1 concept note, with Stage 2 full application forms completed by invitation only. Applicants submit through the Flexi-Grant portal, and Word templates for the Stage 1 concept note and Stage 2 application form are provided for drafting. Supporting materials include a budget spreadsheet, a workplan template, a logframe template for Stage 2 or single-stage applications, and a Theory of Change template. The page states that this is a highly competitive scheme, with recent rounds attracting more than 400 applications and funding expected for up to 20 projects in the round. The Round 32 application window has closed. The Stage 1 deadline was Monday 20 July 2026, and Stage 2 (by invitation only) is due Monday 30 November 2026. Results are expected by end of February 2027, with successful projects starting from 1 April 2027.

Eligibility

The page does not set out full applicant eligibility rules. It states that Darwin Initiative Main funds projects between £200,000 and £1,000,000 lasting 2 to 5 years, and that projects should be based on good evidence and deliver biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction outcomes. Detailed eligibility, including applicant organisation types, geographic scope and prior-recipient rules, is expected to be in the Guidance documents referenced under How to Apply. Note that Round 32 applications are closed.

How it's scored

The page does not provide a scoring rubric or weightings. It describes a two-stage competitive process in which Stage 1 concept notes are followed by Stage 2 full applications by invitation only. It notes that demand regularly exceeds 400 applications and that up to 20 projects are expected to be funded. Projects should demonstrate strong biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction results, good evidence, and strong potential to scale. Panel composition is not stated on this page.

Key requirements

• ✓Projects must deliver strong biodiversity conservation outcomes with evidence of impact
• ✓Poverty reduction results must be demonstrated alongside conservation goals
• ✓Projects must show potential to scale beyond initial funding period
• ✓Project duration 2–5 years
• ✓Evidence-backed approach required

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Darwin Initiative offer?

Darwin Initiative Main offers up to $1.3M.

Who can apply for Darwin Initiative Main?

Eligibility covers organisations in GLOBAL, GB; nonprofit, charity, university, research-institution, consortium, local-authority. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Biodiversity funding backs habitat restoration, species protection, protected areas and nature-positive business. It comes from environment agencies, multilateral nature funds and conservation philanthropy, often through competitive calls with defined regions. Applicants are usually asked for baseline surveys, local partners and indicators that show ecological change.