How to Apply

Extra Applications

Applications to Round 32 of Darwin Initiative Extra are now open.

Introduction

Darwin Initiative Extra will provide grants between £1 million and £5 million, for projects that are on a clear scaling pathway: building on good evidence from previous Biodiversity Challenge Funds projects demonstrating the potential to scale further by completion and facilitating better biodiversity conservation and poverty outcomes. Darwin Initiative Extra projects should last between 2 to 5 years maximum.

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

Applications to Darwin Initiative Extra are a two-stage process, with an interview for shortlisted candidates.

Stage 1 – open – deadline Wednesday 1^st July 2026.
Stage 2 – by invite only – deadline Monday 2^nd November 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview (virtual) expected to be between Thursday 14th and Tuesday 19th January 2027.

Results are expected by end of February 2027.

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 Extra can exceed over 100 applications, and funding is expected to be awarded to up to 4 projects in this round.

Guidance

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

Application Process

Once you have read the general guidance, complete the Darwin Initiative Extra Round 32 application form on the Flexi-Grant application portal. If you are invited to interview, you may be asked to provide clarifications on the feedback provided upon the review of your application.

For drafting purposes, you may find the Word version of the Darwin Initiative Extra Round 32 application form below useful.

Darwin Initiative Extra Round 32 – Stage 1 concept note - Word template

Darwin Initiative Extra Round 32 – Stage 2 application form - Word template

The budget spreadsheet for Darwin Initiative Extra 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)