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Darwin Plus: The schemes and how to apply

 

Introduction

Applications to all four Darwin Plus schemes are now closed:

  • Darwin Plus Local Round 3 – now closed 
  • Darwin Plus Local Round 4 – scheduled to open in April 2024 (subject to change and confirmation)
  • Darwin Plus Main
    • Stage 1 – now closed
    • Stage 2 – now closed
  • Darwin Plus Fellowships – now closed
  • Darwin Plus Strategic – now closed

The guidance documents for each scheme can be found under the relevant headings below. All applications should be submitted via the Flexi-Grant application portal.

 

Darwin Plus Local

Darwin Plus Local is a new scheme within the existing UK government’s Darwin Plus fund, which funds projects to protect the unique biodiversity and improve resilience to climate change within the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). Darwin Plus Local has been introduced to support small scale environmental projects exclusively in the UKOTs, with the aim of building capacity in-territory and contributing to local economies.

For the third round, Darwin Plus Local will provide grants of up to £50,000 for organisations, and £20,000 for individuals.

Darwin Plus Local Round 3:

  • Applications opened on Monday 16 October 2023.
  • Application deadline was Wednesday 29 November 2023.
  • Projects must last up to 12-months.
  • The expected start date for successful projects is from 1 April 2024.
  • All funding must be spent by 31 March 2025.

Before applying you should first read:

Once you have read the guidance, complete the Darwin Plus Local application form on the Flexi-Grant application portal. We recommend reviewing each page of the application form to familiarise yourself with the questions before starting. For drafting purposes, you may find a Word copy of the form useful.

You will need to complete alongside this application form:

There is also a Frequently Asked Questions document based on consultation with UKOT stakeholders.

For enquiries on Darwin Plus Local, please contact DarwinPlusLocal@jncc.gov.uk.

For enquiries about the Darwin Plus programme, please contact: BCF-DPLUS@niras.com.

We also ran a training webinar to support applicants. This provided an overview of the application process and application guidance as well as providing potential applicants with opportunities to answer any questions they had about the process. If you missed it, you can find the slides and a recording of the event by following this link: Darwin Plus Local Training Session, May 2023.

Please note the different project implementation windows for Darwin Plus Local Round 3 and Round 4.

  • Round 3 is accepting applications for projects that will be implemented between April 2024 to March 2025 (12-month maximum duration)
    • Round 3 application deadline: Wednesday 29 November 2023
  • Round 4 is scheduled to open in April 2024 (subject to change and confirmation).
    • Maximum duration 6-months.
    • Grants of up to £50,000 for organisations, and £20,000 for individuals.
    • Expected start date for successful projects is from 1 October 2024 (subject to change and confirmation).
    • All funding must be spent by 31 March 2025.

 

Darwin Plus Main

Darwin Plus Main invites applications for environmental projects from £100,000 to £1,000,000 for projects lasting between 6 months and 3 years.

Before applying, you should first read:

Once you have read the guidance, complete the Darwin Plus Round 12 – Stage 1 application form on the Flexi-Grant application portal. For drafting purposes, you may find the Darwin Plus Round 12 – Stage 1 application form 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 Darwin Plus Round 12 – Stage 2 application form useful.

The budget spreadsheet for Darwin Plus Main projects can be found below:

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: 

 

Darwin Plus Fellowships

The Fellowship scheme aims to build capacity within UKOTs through training opportunities for UKOT nationals or those with a relationship with a UKOT. Fellowships can last up to 2 years.

Before applying, you should first read:

Once you have read the guidance, complete the Darwin Plus Round 12 Fellowship application form on the Flexi-Grant application portal.

For drafting purposes, you may find the Darwin Plus Round 12: Fellowship application form useful.

You will also need to complete and upload:

 

Darwin Plus Strategic

Darwin Plus Strategic is intended for projects that can demonstrate greater ambition and/or collaboration, relative to projects being funded under the other Darwin Plus grant schemes. For this first round, Darwin Plus Strategic will offer grants between £1 million and £3 million for projects lasting between 3 and 5 years.

Before applying, you should first read:

Once you have read the guidance, complete the Darwin Plus Round 12 Strategic application form on the Flexi-Grant application portal. For drafting purposes, you may find the Darwin Plus Round 12 Strategic application form useful.

The budget spreadsheet for Darwin Plus Strategic projects can be found below:

Additional materials that you will be required to complete as part of your application can be found below or downloaded from within Flexi-Grant: