Darwin Initiative Round 32 Grants: Funding for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development

The Darwin Initiative Round 32 funding call is now open, offering grants of up to £5 million. This program, funded by the UK Government, supports projects that protect and restore biodiversity while also addressing poverty reduction and sustainable economic development. Since 1993, the Darwin Initiative has invested over £289 million in more than 1,370 projects across 150 countries, making it a leading global biodiversity funding program. This latest round aims to support high-impact conservation efforts that not only safeguard ecosystems but also improve livelihoods and governance in biodiversity-rich areas.

About the Darwin Initiative

The Darwin Initiative is part of the Biodiversity Challenge Funds. Its main goal is to help countries and communities find practical and scalable ways to combat biodiversity loss. The program focuses on several key areas. These include conserving and restoring nature, reducing poverty through the sustainable use of natural resources, and strengthening local and national environmental governance. It also supports climate resilience and adaptation through ecosystems, and promotes economic growth that goes hand-in-hand with biodiversity protection. Rather than focusing on short-term fixes, the Darwin Initiative looks for projects that create lasting, systemic change across landscapes and communities.

Funding Available for Round 32

For Round 32, applicants can seek funding through different schemes, each with specific eligibility rules and application processes. The maximum funding available per project is up to £5 million. The program offers three main scheme types: Darwin Initiative Extra, Darwin Initiative Main, and Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity. Each scheme is designed to support projects at different stages of development and with varying scopes.

Funding Levels and Scheme Types

• Funding Level: Up to £5 million per project.
• Scheme Types:
• Darwin Initiative Extra
• Darwin Initiative Main
• Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity

Each scheme has distinct eligibility criteria, timelines, and application stages, requiring careful review by potential applicants.

Key Focus Areas for Round 32

This funding round introduces updated priorities to make global conservation efforts more effective and focused. A major change is the emphasis on Biodiversity Hotspot Targeting. Applications must now concentrate on 13 priority biodiversity hotspots located across 35 countries. This approach aims to concentrate funding for higher impact, strengthen ecosystem protection, and reduce the fragmentation of conservation efforts.

Another important shift is the focus on a Systems-Level Change Approach. Projects are encouraged to look beyond direct conservation actions and instead focus on strengthening broader systems. This includes improving environmental governance, reinforcing institutional frameworks, and developing market systems that support conservation. The goal is to ensure that the positive outcomes of projects continue long after the funding period ends.

To make the application process more accessible, the application burden has been reduced. Stage 1 applications for the Extra and Main schemes are now shorter concept notes, with only high-potential projects advancing to Stage 2. The funding structure has also been adjusted, with the innovation scheme removed and more funding redirected to the remaining schemes, emphasizing quality and strategic alignment. Finally, to promote fairness and local leadership, organizations can now lead only one application per scheme, though they can still be partners in multiple applications.

Programme Impact and Achievements

The Darwin Initiative has a proven track record of success since its inception in 1993. It has invested £289 million in over 1,370 conservation projects worldwide. These projects have helped protect millions of hectares of ecosystems and supported over 100,000 people in building climate resilience. The initiative has made significant contributions to biodiversity protection across various environments, including forests, wetlands, and marine ecosystems.

Example of Impact in Indonesia

A notable example of the Darwin Initiative’s impact can be seen in Indonesia. Projects funded by the initiative have supported the sustainable management of 1.3 million hectares of forests and fisheries. These efforts have also contributed to the establishment of a 12.6 million-hectare UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Furthermore, the program has helped improve regional biodiversity governance and planning, demonstrating a commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.

Application Deadlines for Round 32

Prospective applicants should be aware of the specific deadlines for each scheme under Round 32. These deadlines are crucial for ensuring that applications are submitted on time and considered for funding.

Darwin Initiative Main

• Stage 1 Deadline: July 20, 2026
• Stage 2 Deadline (invite only): November 30, 2026

Darwin Initiative Extra

• Stage 1 Deadline: July 1, 2026
• Stage 2 Deadline (invite only): November 2, 2026

Capability & Capacity

• Single Stage Deadline: August 31, 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read all guidance documents carefully and select the scheme that best fits their project. Aligning proposals with the biodiversity hotspot priorities and focusing on systems-level impact and sustainability are key to a successful application. Building strong local partnerships and demonstrating robust implementation capacity are also essential components for consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions