IWT Challenge Fund Extra for Scaling Successful Projects (United Kingdom)

The IWT (Illegal Wildlife Trade) Challenge Fund Extra grants offer substantial financial support to projects focused on combating illegal wildlife trafficking. These grants, ranging from £600,000 to £1.5 million, are intended to expand successful initiatives that have demonstrated impact on a smaller scale. Applications for Round 12 are currently open, with the first stage deadline on 23 November 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: IWT Challenge Fund

- Funding Type: Grant

- Funding Amount: £600,000 to £1.5 million per project

- Eligible Applicants: Projects with prior success in addressing illegal wildlife trade

- Eligible Countries: Not specified

- Application Deadlines:

- Stage 1: 23 November 2026

- Stage 2: 5 April 2027 (by invitation only)

- Project Duration: 2 to 4 years

- Expected Start Date: 1 September 2027

- Funding Beyond March 2029: Subject to UK Government Spending Review

About the Opportunity

The IWT Challenge Fund Extra grants are designed to scale up activities that have already proven effective in tackling illegal wildlife trafficking. These projects should aim to broaden their impact through landscape or replication scaling or by delivering systemic changes that ensure long-term benefits. The program seeks to further successful initiatives, regardless of whether they were previously funded by the IWT Challenge Fund. Funding and Benefits - Grants range from £600,000 to £1.5 million per project. - Funding is allocated to projects that have already demonstrated success at a smaller scale. - Projects may implement scaling strategies or systemic changes to enhance impact. Who Is Eligible? - Projects must have a primary focus on addressing illegal wildlife trade. - Eligible projects should have demonstrated success and impact at a smaller scale. - There are no specific geographic restrictions mentioned. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Projects expanding activities in combating illegal wildlife trafficking. - Initiatives that implement landscape or replication scaling. - Projects focusing on systemic changes for sustained impact. Why This Opportunity Matters This funding opportunity is crucial for organizations aiming to expand their successful projects in the fight against illegal wildlife trade. By providing substantial financial support, the IWT Challenge Fund Extra grants enable initiatives to scale their operations, increase their reach, and implement systemic changes that ensure long-term benefits. This can significantly contribute to global efforts in wildlife conservation and the protection of biodiversity. How to Apply

- Read the Guidance: Review the application documents available on the IWT Challenge Fund website.

- Stage 1 Application: Complete the IWTCF Extra Round 12 – Stage 1 application form via the Flexi-Grant portal. A Word template is available for drafting.

- Stage 2 Application: If invited, complete the Stage 2 application form on the Flexi-Grant portal using the provided Word template for drafting.

- Budget Preparation: Use the Biodiversity Challenge Funds budget forms for grants over £100,000. Contact BCF-IWTCF@niras.com for an unlocked budget spreadsheet if needed.

- Submit Required Documents: Complete additional materials such as the Workplan Template, logframes, and Risk Framework Template.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Ensure all project activities and budgets are planned with the potential funding beyond March 2029 in mind. - Verify all figures and details in the budget spreadsheet are correctly presented. - Follow specific guidance for Stage 1 and Stage 2 application requirements. Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for the IWT Challenge Fund Extra grants? Projects with proven success in addressing illegal wildlife trade are eligible to apply. What is the funding range for these grants? Grants range from £600,000 to £1.5 million per project. What are the application deadlines? Stage 1 applications are due by 23 November 2026, and Stage 2 applications are by invitation only, due by 5 April 2027. How long should the projects last? Projects should have a duration of 2 to 4 years. What is the expected start date for funded projects? Successful projects are expected to start on 1 September 2027. Next Steps Eligible applicants should review the official guidelines on the IWT Challenge Fund website and complete the necessary application forms. Ensure all submissions are thorough and meet the specified requirements to improve the chances of securing funding for impactful projects.