Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity Grant

About this grant

Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity funds projects that develop the capability and capacity of identified local and national organisations, including civil society groups, research institutes, and public bodies. The stated aim is to help these recipients deliver biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction impact more effectively. Applicants must clearly set out how the capacity strengthening will translate into better conservation and poverty outcomes. Projects are funded between £75,000 and £250,000 and should last between one and three years. Applications are a single-stage process submitted through the Flexi-Grant portal, using the Round 32 application form and a budget spreadsheet provided by the funder. Budgets over £100,000 use a locked budget form, and applicants must ensure their budget is correctly presented because increases cannot be made after award. The page notes that the scheme is highly competitive, with recent rounds attracting over 300 applications and funding for up to 20 projects. Round 32 has been closed to new applications, so the deadline listed (31 August 2026) is no longer open. Expected start date for successful projects is 1 April 2027.

Eligibility

Projects must focus on developing the capability and capacity of identified local and national organisations, such as civil society organisations, research institutes, and public bodies. The page notes significant changes to geographic eligibility for Round 32, but the specific eligible countries are defined in the guidance documents rather than on this page. Applicants are directed to read the general guidance under How to Apply before applying. Round 32 applications are now closed.

How it's scored

The page does not describe scoring criteria, weightings, or panel composition. Applicants are told to refer to the guidance documents and the Frequently Asked Questions.

Key requirements

• ✓Applicant must be a local or national organisation (civil society, research institute, or public body)
• ✓Project must develop capability and capacity to deliver biodiversity conservation and/or poverty reduction outcomes
• ✓Project duration 1–3 years
• ✓Grant amount £75,000–£250,000

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 Capability & Capacity offers up to $313K.

Who can apply for Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity?

Eligibility covers organisations in GLOBAL, GB; nonprofit, charity, research-institution, local-authority, community-group. 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.