Scoping projects are small grants intended to help applicants who are new to the Darwin Initiative. The aim is to develop a workable project idea and build potential project partnerships within the country where the project would take place. A successful scoping project should lead to a main round project application.
You can read more about a successful scoping project in this case study – Yayu Biosphere Reserve, Ethiopia (PDF, 214KB, 2 pages) .
How to apply
You should first read:
- Darwin Initiative Round 24: Scoping project applicant guidance (PDF, 387KB, 15 pages)
- Darwin Initiative Round 24: Flexi-grant user guide (PDF, 329KB, 8 pages)
Once you have read the guidance you should then complete the scoping projects online application.
Apply online for Darwin Initiative Scoping project awards through the Flexi-Grant application portal.
We’ve published the application form for those that want to draft their response before using Flexi-Grant:
- For drafting only – Darwin Initiative Round 24: Scoping project application form (Microsoft Word version) (MS Word Document, 148KB)
When to apply
The timetable for Round 24 Darwin Scoping Awards is set out below:
- application process opens: Monday 4 December 2017
- deadline for applications: Friday 2 February 2018
- expected notification of successful projects: May 2018
- expected start date for successful projects: From 1 July 2018
Who can apply?
Applications for scoping awards must be to establish new partnerships and must not simply be to continue existing working relationships. We would normally expect applications from partnerships involving around 2 to 4 organisations.
Scoping award lead applicants must also meet all of the following criteria:
- have recognised expertise in the sustainable use or conservation of biodiversity and/or development
- have a proven track record of managing biodiversity-related and/or natural resource orientated development projects in partnership with local organisations
- can provide evidence of work which has had an impact on the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity and/or sustainable economic development;
- can demonstrate that alternative funding – including financial support from their own organisation – is not available to develop the Darwin project proposal in consultation with their partners. Scoping award funding should not be seen as an alternative to seeking matched funding from other sources.
Scoping award partners:
- should not have led a Darwin main project before (with the exception of the lead applicant)
- at least one of the partners should be new to the partnership
Funding available
There is a maximum level for a scoping project, and further information on the size of Darwin scoping project funding can be found in the Darwin Initiative Scoping Awards applicant guidance.