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IntroStrategic Applications
Introduction
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. Darwin Plus Strategic offers grants between £1 million and £3 million for projects lasting between 3 and 5 years.
Applications to Darwin Plus Strategic are a single stage process, with an interview for shortlisted candidates.
Applications to Round 14 of Darwin Plus Strategic are now open.
The applications for Round 14 opened on Friday 8th May 2026.
- Deadline for applications: Monday 14th 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 Strategic 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 Strategic application form on the Flexi-Grant application portal. For drafting purposes, you may find the Word version of the application form below useful.
The budget spreadsheet for Darwin Plus Strategic projects, "Biodiversity Challenge Funds budget form (grants over £100,000)," can also be found below.
The budget spreadsheet for Darwin Plus Strategic projects can be found below.
Please note that the £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:
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.