Biodiversity Challenge Funds is a UK-based grant-making agency dedicated to supporting innovative projects that conserve biodiversity and safeguard the natural environment for local communities worldwide. We provide competitive grants through the Darwin Initiative, the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF), and Darwin Plus. Our approach focuses on empowering local partners to implement sustainable solutions, particularly within the UK Overseas Territories and developing countries. We prioritize projects that demonstrate scalability and contribute to poverty reduction and improved livelihoods. We work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including NGOs, governments, and local communities, to deliver impactful conservation outcomes.

The Biodiversity Challenge Funds operates as part of the UK government’s commitment to tackling global environmental challenges. We offer a range of funding opportunities, including grants for biodiversity conservation, illegal wildlife trade reduction, and climate change resilience. Our funding mechanisms are designed to support both short-term and long-term strategic initiatives, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across borders. We are committed to evidence-based decision-making and rigorous monitoring and evaluation.

Darwin Initiative, IWTCF, and Darwin Plus represent our core funding streams, each tailored to specific priorities. We actively seek out innovative and scalable projects that align with our strategic goals, promoting sustainable development and protecting the planet’s precious biodiversity. We provide comprehensive support to grantees, including technical assistance, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation services. Our work contributes to the UK’s international conservation efforts and supports the achievement of global biodiversity targets.