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Submit Applications for Darwin Plus Local Funds Projects

Deadline: 29-Dec-2025

The Darwin Plus Local Fund supports projects that protect biodiversity and enhance the natural environment in UK Overseas Territories. Funding is available up to £50,000 for organisations and £20,000 for individuals for projects lasting up to 12 months, starting April 2026. Projects must deliver tangible environmental outcomes in biodiversity, climate change, environmental quality, or capacity building.

H1: Darwin Plus Local Fund

H2: Purpose of the Fund

The Darwin Plus Local Fund aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation and environmental protection in UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). It supports projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes and tangible short-term impacts, emphasizing community engagement, innovative solutions, and local capacity building.

H2: Key Themes

Projects should focus on one or more of the following thematic areas:

  • Biodiversity: Protection, restoration, and sustainable management of species and habitats.

  • Climate Change: Enhancing ecosystem resilience to climate impacts.

  • Environmental Quality: Improving environmental standards and sustainable practices.

  • Capability & Capacity Building: Training, education, and empowering local stakeholders for effective conservation management.

H2: Who Can Apply

  • Organisations: Eligible for up to £50,000 per project.

  • Individuals: Eligible for up to £20,000 per project.

  • Projects must be based in or benefit UK Overseas Territories.

H2: Funding Details

  • Maximum project duration: 12 months (April 2026 – 31 March 2027).

  • Payment structure:

    • Initial advance of up to 85% of the grant.

    • Final payment (either 15% or £3,000, whichever is greater) released after successful completion and acceptance of the final report.

  • Budgets must align strictly with the financial year; moving funds between years is exceptional and may not be approved.

H2: Eligible Project Types

Projects can include:

  • Pilot initiatives testing innovative or evidence-based conservation solutions.

  • Protection and restoration of priority species and habitats.

  • Sustainable natural resource management.

  • Building capacity to manage invasive species.

  • Community-led conservation and stakeholder engagement.

  • Education, outreach, and public awareness on biodiversity issues.

  • Policy development to support conservation efforts.

  • Data collection and management to inform environmental decision-making.

  • Securing sustainable financing for conservation projects.

H2: Ineligible Activities

  • Routine government or business-as-usual operations.

  • Ongoing maintenance of habitats or species protection.

  • Projects primarily focused on built heritage, waste, or renewable energy.

  • Profit-generating activities unless revenue is reinvested into conservation.

  • Research with no direct, tangible conservation outcome.

H2: Application Process

  1. Prepare a project proposal aligned with the fund’s thematic areas.

  2. Include a detailed budget and timeline within the 12-month period.

  3. Submit the application through the designated Darwin Plus Local portal.

  4. Ensure the project clearly demonstrates expected measurable environmental outcomes.

H2: Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

  • Alignment with Darwin Plus Local thematic priorities.

  • Clarity and feasibility of project objectives and methodology.

  • Potential for tangible, measurable environmental impact.

  • Innovation and replicability of solutions.

  • Local engagement, capacity building, and sustainability of outcomes.

H2: Timeline

  • Project start: April 2026

  • Project end: 31 March 2027

  • Application deadlines and review dates: Check the Darwin Plus Local website for official submission windows.

H2: Conclusion

The Darwin Plus Local Fund provides a unique opportunity for individuals and organisations in UK Overseas Territories to implement locally led, innovative conservation projects. By funding initiatives across biodiversity, climate resilience, environmental quality, and capacity building, the program strengthens environmental stewardship, fosters community engagement, and delivers measurable, lasting benefits to the natural environment.

For more information, visit Biodiversity Challenge Funds.