Main Applications

Introduction

Darwin Initiative Main invites applications for projects between £100,000 and £800,000 that deliver strong results for biodiversity conservation and multidimensional poverty reduction. Projects should be based on good evidence and strongly demonstrate the potential to scale further. Projects should last between 1 to 5 years maximum.

Applications to Round 31 of Darwin Initiative Main are now closed.

The latest application Round opened on Wednesday 22^nd May 2024.

Applications to Darwin Initiative Main are by a dual-stage process.

• Stage 1 deadline for applications: Monday 8^th July 2024
• Stage 2 deadline for applications (by invite only): Monday 2^nd December 2024

Results are expected by end of February 2025 at the earliest.

Expected start date for successful projects is from 1^st April 2025.

Guidance

Before applying, you should first read the Guidance documents found under How to Apply.

Application Process

Once you have read the general guidance, complete the Darwin Initiative Main Round 31 application form on the Flexi-Grant application portal. For drafting purposes, you may find the Word version of the Darwin Initiative Main Round 31 Stage 1 application form below 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 Word version of the Darwin Initiative Round 31 Stage 2 application form below useful. 

Darwin Initiative Main Round 31 – Stage 1 application form

Darwin Initiative Main Round 31 – Stage 2 application form

The budget spreadsheet for Darwin Initiative Main projects can be found below.

Please note that the Stage 2 £100k+ budget is locked so cannot be amended to ensure that all figures link through to the Summary correctly. However, if you would like a copy of the unlocked version, please contact BCF-Darwin@niras.com directly. It will be your responsibility to ensure that the budget is correctly presented. We cannot increase a budget request after a project is awarded. The Summary page will remain locked to ensure all budgets are reviewed on the same basis.

Biodiversity Challenge Funds budget forms (grants over £100,000)

Additional materials that you will be required to complete as part of your application can be found below or downloaded from within Flexi-Grant. Please note there are different requirements for Stage 1 and Stage 2 – read the guidance for more information.

Biodiversity Challenge Funds Workplan Template

Biodiversity Challenge Funds Stage 1 logframe template

Biodiversity Challenge Funds Stage 2/ Single Stage logframe

For further queries, see our Frequently Asked Questions.