Local Applications

Introduction

Darwin Plus Local funds projects that protect the unique biodiversity and improve resilience to climate change within the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). 

Darwin Plus Local supports small scale environmental projects exclusively in the UKOTs, with the aim of improving outcomes for biodiversity, building capacity in-territory and contributing to local economies.

Applications to Round 7 of Darwin Plus Local are now open.

The applications for Round 7 opened on Friday 8^th May 2026.

Applications to Darwin Plus Local are a single stage process.

• Deadline for applications: Thursday 25^th June 2026.

This round of Darwin Plus Local provides grants of up to £50,000 for organisations, and £20,000 for individuals.

Darwin Plus Local Round 7:

• Maximum 6-month implementation period.
• The expected start date for successful projects is from 1^st October 2026.
• All projects must be completed by 31^st March 2027.

Please note the following:

This round of Darwin Plus Local will be available for:

• Official Development Assistance (ODA) research and development, capital expenditure, and projects that implement tried and tested methods and environmental solutions to contribute towards biodiversity and conservation. Funding for ODA eligible applications for this round will be subject to ODA budget availability within Defra. Therefore, funding for new ODA eligible applications is not guaranteed, and results or start dates may also be delayed.
• Non-ODA research and development or capital expenditure projects only, due to available budget.

Following the Multiyear Spending Review, the UK Government has committed to make more than £9 million per year available for Darwin Plus until March 2029. Funding beyond March 2029 for Darwin Plus will be requested via the next Spending Review. Therefore, funding for projects that go beyond this date is not guaranteed. Applicants must note and accept this risk before sending their proposals to Defra and manage any commitments associated with the proposal, accordingly.

Applications for projects in the British Indian Ocean Territory remain welcome, will be processed as normal, and successful applications honoured.

Guidance

Before applying you should first read:

• Darwin Plus Local Guidance for Applicants (with particular focus on the eligibility criteria)
• Terms and Conditions for the fund (we have also prepared a summary document of key Terms and Conditions for Darwin Plus Local projects)
• Darwin Plus Local Finance Guidance
• Flexi-Grant Guidance

How to Apply

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 the Word version of the application form below useful.

Please note that you will need to complete and submit the "Local Workplan template" below in addition to the application form.

D+ Local Workplan template (Implementation table)

Word copy of the Flexi-Grant 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.

For further queries, see our general Frequently Asked Questions.