Capability & Capacity Applications

Applications to Round 32 of Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity are now open.

Introduction

Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity welcomes applications for projects between £75,000 and £250,000. Projects must focus on developing the capability and capacity of identified local and national organisations (civil society, research institutes, and public bodies) whilst clearly setting out how the recipients will be able to more effectively deliver biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction impact. Projects should last between 1 to 3 years maximum.

The latest application round opened on Friday 22^nd May 2026.

Applications to Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity are a single-stage process.

• Deadline for applications: Monday 31^st August 2026.

Results are expected by end of December 2027.

The expected start date for successful projects is from 1^st April 2027.

Please note that this is a highly competitive grant scheme. Recent rounds have demonstrated demand for Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity can exceed over 300 applications, and funding is expected to be awarded to up to 20 projects in this round.

Guidance

Before applying, you should first read the Guidance documents found under How to Apply.

In July 2024, we hosted a webinar to provide applicants interested in applying to Round 31 Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity with an overview of the application process and an opportunity to answer questions applicants had about the process.

Please note there have been significant changes to the guidance and geographic eligibility for Round 32, so please keep this in mind when watching the recording and always make sure to refer to the latest guidance while writing your application.

You can find the slides and a recording of the event by following this link: Capability & Capability Pre-Application Webinar, July 2024.  

Application Process

Once you have read the general guidance, complete the Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity Round 32 application form on the Flexi-Grant application portal. For drafting purposes, you may find the Word version of the Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity Round 32 application form useful.

Darwin Initiative Capability and Capacity Round 32 application form - Word template

The budget spreadsheet for Darwin Initiative Capability & Capacity 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-Darwin@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.

Biodiversity Challenge Funds budget forms (grants over £100,000)

Biodiversity Challenge Funds budget forms (grants under £100,000)

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

Biodiversity Challenge Funds Workplan Template

For further queries, see our Frequently Asked Questions.