Category Archives: Events

DARWIN INITIATIVE ROUND 32 FUNDING PROGRAMME

Application Deadline for Darwin Initiative Extra Stage 1: Wednesday 1 July 2026

LOCATION: United Kingdom

They are thrilled to announce that applications for Darwin Initiative Round 32 are now open.

The aim of the Darwin Initiative is to support communities to find just, scalable, and sustainable ways to conserve and restore nature while growing their economies and reducing poverty. Darwin Initiative grants enable real impact on the ground. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Eligible Countries: The Darwin Initiative has narrowed its focus to ensure deeper impact. Round 32 prioritizes projects in biodiversity-rich regions where conservation and poverty reduction are most urgent.

Total eligible countries: 35

Regions covered: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and small island states

Selection criteria: Countries must fall within one of the 13 biodiversity hotspots identified by Defra for this round.
Location: Focused on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries.
Host Organization: Darwin Initiative

Projects should support communities to find just, scalable, and sustainable ways to conserve and restore nature while growing their economies and reducing poverty.

Round 32 focuses on 13 biodiversity hotspots across 35 countries.

Organisations are limited to leading on one application per scheme.

Organisations may appear on an unlimited number of applications as partners.

The Darwin Initiative Innovation scheme will no longer accept new applications in Round 32.

Applicants should review the scheme guidance and application requirements on the Darwin Initiative application portal. Then, choose the relevant scheme: Extra, Main, or Capability & Capacity.

Because scheme deadlines differ, make sure you submit under the correct funding window. For full guidance and updates, use the official source.

BENEFIT:

Grant Amount: The grants range between £200,000 and £1,000,000, depending on the type of grant and project scope.
Project Duration: Main Projects: 2–5 years

Flexibility: The exact length should match the scale of your proposed work and the outcomes you aim to achieve.
Funding Scope: Funding for projects through the Darwin Initiative grant schemes, including support for biodiversity conservation and restoration, poverty reduction, community resilience, and systems strengthening.

APPLY

SOCIAL SHIFTERS GLOBAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2026 

Application Deadline: August 31st, 2026

LOCATION: Multiple Regions

Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge 2026 is designed to give young impact founders a platform; providing grant funding awards, connection to a global community high performing young leaders, and exclusive exposure through some of the worlds biggest brands.

ELIGIBILITY:

To be eligible to apply, your social startup must be: 

100% YOUTH-LED – Founders leading the startup or project must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of submission and have clear decision-making authority. 

IMPACT FOCUSED – Startups and projects must address a clearly defined social or environmental issue and must already be delivering some measurable social outputs and impact. 

Can provide official government-issued identification to verify age  

Represent the primary driving force behind their project’s development 

To enter the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge your idea must contribute to at least one of the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Entrants must be able to demonstrate that young people hold a majority stake (51% or more) in the group or startup behind the project, and that clear decision-making authority is held by individuals in the eligible age range. Projects that are part of a larger, established business or nonprofit organization cannot apply. 

Submissions will be evaluated based on:  

Genuine youth leadership  

Measurable social or environmental impact  

Innovative approach to addressing global challenges  

Potential for meaningful, scalable change

Our Guidelines 

BENEFIT:

Grant Funding Awards: Multiple awards of up to $15,000 USD for genuinely youth-led, up-and-running projects and startups. 

Free Founder Support: They help you build a strong application before you submit. Free learning resources are available from the moment you register, alongside connection to a global community of young social leaders like you. 

Your Opportunities Gateway: Your journey with us doesn’t end with the competition. As you progress, you’ll unlock incremental access to opportunities, including paid work, fellowships, networking, and learning experiences!

APPLY