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Next round of funding launches!
Applications now open for Darwin Plus!
We are delighted to announce that applications for Darwin Plus are now open.
The aim of Darwin Plus is to help deliver long-term strategic outcomes for the natural environment in the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs), supporting the conservation of some of the world’s most delicate and complex ecosystems and endemic species. Since 2012, the Darwin Plus programme has invested over £64 million in nearly 400 projects benefiting the Overseas Territories.
We are welcoming applications under all four funding schemes.
The closing dates for Darwin Plus applications are as follows:
- Darwin Plus Local Deadline: Thursday 25th June 2026
- Please note that this round of Darwin Plus Local has a 6 month window.
- Darwin Plus Main
- Stage 1 Deadline: Monday 15th June 2026
- Stage 2 (by invite only) Deadline: Monday 21st September 2026
- Darwin Plus People & Skills Deadline: Monday 7th September 2026
- Darwin Plus Strategic Deadline: Monday 14th September 2026
Further information on the schemes, the guidance documents, and the scoring criteria can be found on each scheme’s application page under the Apply page.
Make sure to read the application guidance for the scheme you want to apply for. These comprehensive documents detail what is required for a successful application and how you should apply.
If you’d like to see examples of application forms and reports from funded projects, head to the Projects section of the Darwin Plus website. Here you can search through projects by funding round, scheme, country, institution, biomes and ecosystems, as well as by Project Leader.
Good luck to all applicants - we can’t wait to see your submissions!
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.