Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale but high-impact projects in developing countries, which align with the six action areas that guide the Government of Canada’s international assistance.
The program is directed at projects conceived and designed predominantly by local partners. Projects are selected and approved by the relevant Canadian Embassy or High Commission.
The average contribution is expected to be in the range of CAD $15,000-$20,000 for each individual project.
Larger projects may be considered on an exceptional basis.
The average duration of a CFLI project is six (6) consecutive months, with all project activities to be completed by February of the following year.
However, longer projects may be considered on a case by case basis.
Thematic Priorities
All projects must align with at least one of the following CFLI thematic priorities:
- Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
- Inclusive governance, including diversity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
- Growth that works for everyone, including women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, investing in the poorest and most vulnerable, and safeguarding economic gains.
- Environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management.Organizations eligible to apply for CFLI Funding
Within the context of eligible countries, eligible recipients include:
- local non-governmental, community and not-for-profit organizations,
- local academic institutions working on local projects,
- international, intergovernmental, multilateral and regional institutions, organizations and agencies working on local development activities,
- municipal, regional or national government institutions or agencies of the recipient country working on local projects, and
- Canadian non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations that are working on local development activities.However, priority will be given to local civil society organizations (including non-governmental organizations). Other entities, such as international, intergovernmental, multilateral and regional organizations may be eligible for funding, provided they are working with local partners and on local projects that are consistent with the objectives of the CFLI.
Similarly, municipal, regional or national government institutions may receive funding, provided that their projects are essentially local in nature.
The Embassy encourages new organisations to apply.
In assessing applications, the selection committee will prioritize applications focussing on concrete results and that are innovative, sustainable and accountable to their participants and communities.
NEW! Gender-Based Analysis (GBA)
In 2017, Canada adopted a Feminist International Assistance Policy to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. In alignment with this policy, a Gender-Based Analysis will be a required element of the CFLI project application process.
A Gender-Based Analysis will require applicants to:
a) consider how women, girls, men, and boys are affected differently by the problem their project is aiming to address, including to ensure the project does not cause harm;
b) consult women and/or girls in the development of their project proposal; and
c) ensure that those views inform the project design.
*Consultations can include, but are not limited to:
- speaking to women and girls from the local community;
- speaking to women and other individuals who work for civil society organizations that have worked in the local community;
- speaking to female and male decision and change-makers, who have knowledge of the local community.Inadequate completion of a Gender-Based Analysis may affect the consideration of your proposal.
Eligible Costs
The following costs are eligible within projects for CFLI funding:
- administrative and overhead costs specifically related to the project,
- capital and/or operating expenditures related to the lease and/or purchase and/or building of infrastructure,
- installation, maintenance, shipping and/or transportation costs, including fuel, computers and communication devices,
- civic education costs,
- conference and event expenditures,
- hospitality costs, excluding alcoholic beverages
- training and capacity building expenditures,
- costs of services received by recipients,
- outreach, communication and information dissemination costs,
- environmental assessment costs,
- advocacy and lobbying related costs,
- legal costs,
- accounting costs,
- medical costs,
- publishing costs,
- radio and television broadcast fees,
- facilities and equipment rental charges,
- research-related costs,
- salary costs relating to the project,
- security costs,
- translation and interpretation fees,
- travel expenses, using lowest fares possible but not exceeding full fare economy class (international travel expenses must receive prior approval from the CFLI Unit)
- lease or rental of vehicles,
- vehicle and equipment operation, installation and/or maintenance,
- website development and related costs,
- miscellaneous expenses integral to the project.The following costs are NOT eligible for CFLI funding:
- nuclear technologies and facilities,
- assistance to military or paramilitary organizations,
- gifts,
- luxury goods,
- direct fiscal support to a government,
- core funding or recurrent costs of an organization,
- international travel (without prior approval from the CFLI Unit),
- revolving funds, (that is, funds used to advance loans to individuals, i.e. microfinance),
- expenses incurred prior to the signing of the CA, or after it expires.
For more information and application details; search for your country and apply at – Canada Fund for Local Initiatives – Call for Proposals