Applications are now open for the Darwin Initiative Round 32 Grants. This UK government grants scheme supports projects that conserve and restore nature while growing economies and reducing poverty. Importantly, the first deadline is Wednesday 1 July 2026 for Darwin Initiative Extra Stage 1, while other scheme deadlines run through 31 August 2026.
Round 32 focuses on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries. In addition, applicants can apply through three schemes: Extra, Main, and Capability & Capacity.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: Darwin Initiative Extra Stage 1: Wednesday 1 July 2026; Darwin Initiative Main Stage 1: Monday 20 July 2026; Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity Single Stage: Monday 31 August 2026; invited Stage 2 deadlines also listed for Extra and Main
Eligible Countries: The Darwin Initiative has narrowed its focus to ensure deeper impact. Round 32 prioritises projects in biodiversity-rich regions where conservation and poverty reduction are most urgent.
Total eligible countries: 35
Regions covered: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and small island states
Selection criteria: Countries must fall within one of the 13 biodiversity hotspots identified by Defra for this round.
Location: Focused on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries.
Host Organization: Darwin Initiative
Grant Amount: The grants range between £200,000 and £1,000,000, depending on the type of grant and project scope.
Total eligible countries: 35
Regions covered: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and small island states
About the Grant
The Darwin Initiative funds projects that link biodiversity conservation with poverty reduction and economic growth. According to the official summary, Round 32 supports communities to find just, scalable, and sustainable ways to conserve and restore nature.
Moreover, the funding round highlights systems strengthening. This includes support for institutions, markets, and governance that can help projects scale their impact.
Eligibility
- Projects should support communities to find just, scalable, and sustainable ways to conserve and restore nature while growing their economies and reducing poverty.
- Round 32 focuses on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries.
- Organisations are limited to lead on one application per scheme.
- Organisations may appear on an unlimited number of applications as partners.
- The Darwin Initiative Innovation scheme will no longer accept new applications in Round 32.
Grant Amount: the grants range between £200,000 and £1,000,000, depending on the type of grant and project scope.
Project Duration: Main Projects: 2–5 years
Smaller Innovation or Partnership Projects: Usually 2–3 years
Flexibility: The exact length should match the scale of your proposed work and the outcomes you aim to achieve.
Funding Scope: Funding for projects through the Darwin Initiative grant schemes, including support for biodiversity conservation and restoration, poverty reduction, community resilience, and systems strengthening.
How to Apply
Applicants should review the scheme guidance and application requirements on the Darwin Initiative application portal. Then, choose the relevant scheme: Extra, Main, or Capability & Capacity.
Because scheme deadlines differ, make sure you submit under the correct funding window. For full guidance and updates, use the official source below.
👉 Visit the official grant page for details
