Deadline: 01-Jul-2026
The Darwin Initiative Extra Round 32 is a UK Government funding programme supporting large-scale biodiversity conservation projects that also deliver poverty reduction outcomes in eligible countries. The scheme funds scalable, evidence-based initiatives that address biodiversity loss while strengthening sustainable livelihoods, governance, and institutional capacity.
Grants range from £1 million to £5 million for projects lasting between 2 and 5 years, with a strong emphasis on long-term impact, scalability, and measurable conservation outcomes.
Overview of the Darwin Initiative Extra Scheme
The Darwin Initiative Extra Scheme supports ambitious biodiversity conservation projects that combine environmental protection with poverty reduction and sustainable development.
The programme focuses on projects capable of delivering:
- Large-scale conservation impact
- Long-term sustainability
- Scalable solutions
- Institutional strengthening
- Community and livelihood benefits
Projects must demonstrate strong evidence-based approaches and a clear pathway for scaling conservation impact beyond the project period.
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Reduce biodiversity loss
- Support poverty reduction
- Strengthen biodiversity governance
- Improve sustainable resource management
- Build institutional and community capacity
- Promote scalable conservation models
- Strengthen partnerships and coordination
The initiative prioritizes projects that can influence wider systems and policies at regional or national levels.
Key Focus Areas
Supported projects may include:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Ecosystem protection
- Sustainable natural resource management
- Community-based conservation
- Climate and environmental resilience
- Institutional capacity strengthening
- Governance and policy improvement
- Sustainable livelihood development
Projects should clearly demonstrate links between conservation outcomes and poverty reduction benefits.
Funding Details
Grant Amount
Projects may receive:
- Minimum Funding: £1,000,000
- Maximum Funding: £5,000,000
Project Duration
Projects can run for:
- 2 to 5 years
Funding may support:
- Project implementation
- Conservation activities
- Institutional strengthening
- Partnerships and collaboration
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities
Independent Final Evaluation Requirement
All funded projects must commission an:
- Independent Final Evaluation
The evaluation must be completed before project closure.
Evaluation costs should:
- Be included in the project budget
- Fall within the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) budget allocation
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include organizations capable of delivering large-scale biodiversity and development projects in eligible countries.
Applicants may include:
- NGOs and civil society organizations
- Research institutions
- Conservation organizations
- Development agencies
- Public institutions and partnerships
Projects must involve:
- Strong local collaboration
- Partnerships with governments and local institutions
- Engagement with civil society organizations
- Work in biodiversity-rich regions
Eligibility Requirements
Projects must:
- Operate in eligible countries
- Support both biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction
- Demonstrate scaling potential
- Use evidence-based methodologies
- Include strong in-country partnerships
Each organization may:
- Lead only one Extra Scheme application in this funding round
- Participate as a partner in multiple applications
Why the Programme Matters
Biodiversity loss and poverty are closely interconnected in many vulnerable regions worldwide.
The Darwin Initiative supports projects that:
- Protect ecosystems and species
- Improve livelihoods and resilience
- Strengthen environmental governance
- Promote sustainable economic opportunities
- Build long-term conservation systems
The programme encourages large-scale interventions capable of creating lasting environmental and social impact.
How the Selection Process Works
Applications undergo a multi-stage review process.
Selection Process
- Eligibility and quality screening
- Expert review by at least three assessors
- Sift meeting and scoring process
- Stage 2 shortlisting
- Submission of written clarifications
- Virtual interviews for shortlisted applicants
- Final review and DEFRA funding decision
Only high-quality and scalable proposals are expected to progress through the selection stages.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly explain biodiversity and poverty reduction outcomes
- Demonstrate strong scaling potential
- Use evidence-based approaches
- Show measurable long-term impact
- Include strong local partnerships
- Present realistic implementation and MEL frameworks
Strong applications usually include:
- Clear theory of change
- Sustainability strategies
- Institutional strengthening plans
- Community engagement models
- Risk management frameworks
- Detailed monitoring and evaluation systems
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Darwin Initiative Extra Round 32?
It is a UK Government funding programme supporting large-scale biodiversity conservation projects linked to poverty reduction.
How much funding is available?
Projects can receive between £1 million and £5 million.
How long can projects last?
Projects may run for 2 to 5 years.
What types of projects are supported?
The programme supports scalable biodiversity conservation and sustainable development initiatives with measurable impact.
Who can apply?
Eligible organizations with the capacity to implement large-scale conservation and development projects in eligible countries can apply.
Can one organization submit multiple applications?
An organization may lead only one Extra Scheme application but can participate as a partner in additional projects.
Is an external evaluation required?
Yes, all funded projects must commission an Independent Final Evaluation before project completion.
Conclusion
The Darwin Initiative Extra Round 32 provides significant funding support for large-scale biodiversity conservation projects that also address poverty reduction and sustainable development challenges. By supporting scalable, evidence-based interventions and strong institutional partnerships, the programme aims to generate long-term environmental and socio-economic impact in biodiversity-rich regions worldwide.
The initiative also strengthens governance, conservation capacity, and sustainable livelihoods while encouraging transformative approaches capable of influencing wider systems and policies beyond the project lifecycle.
For more information, visit Darwin Initiative.