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Introduction
Darwin Plus Main is intended for environmental projects of benefit to the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs), offering grants between £50,000 and £1 million, for projects lasting between 6 months and 3 years.
Applications to Round 14 of Darwin Plus Main are now open.
The applications for Round 14 opened on Friday 8th May 2026.
Applications to Darwin Plus Main are a two-stage process.
- Stage 1 deadline - Monday 15th June 2026.
- Stage 2 deadline (by invite only) - Monday 21st September 2026.
The expected start date for successful Round 14 projects is from 1st April 2027.
Guidance
Before applying, you should first read the following documents:
- Round 14 Darwin Plus Main Guidance for Applicants
- Finance Guidance
- Flexi-Grant Guidance
- Privacy Notice
- Biodiversity Challenge Funds Terms and Conditions
- Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Guidance
- Darwin Plus Standard Indicators Guidance
- Biodiversity Challenge Funds Risk Management Guidance
How to Apply
Once you have read the guidance, complete the Darwin Plus Round 14 – Stage 1 application form on the Flexi-Grant application portal. For drafting purposes, you may find the Word version of the Stage 1 application form below 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 Word version of the Stage 2 application form below useful.
As well as these application form templates, the budget spreadsheet for Darwin Plus Main projects can also be found below. Please note there are different budget templates for projects under £100,000 and projects over £100,000).
The budget spreadsheet for Darwin Plus Main projects can be found below.
Please note that the Stage 2 £100k+ budget is locked so cannot be amended to ensure that all figures link through to the Summary correctly. However, if you would like a copy of the unlocked version, please contact BCF-DPLUS@niras.com directly. It will be your responsibility to ensure that the budget is correctly presented. We cannot increase a budget request after a project is awarded. The Summary page will remain locked to ensure all budgets are reviewed on the same basis.
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 above for more information.
For further queries, see our Frequently Asked Questions.
Please note: 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.