Deadline: 27-Apr-2026
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects led by local partners to strengthen civil society, foster bilateral relations, and deliver measurable outcomes. Grants range from $30,000–$60,000, with a maximum of $100,000 per project, focusing on inclusive governance, gender equality, human dignity, and environment/climate action.
Overview
CFLI funds projects that:
- Strengthen local civil society and community leadership
- Promote inclusive governance and equitable growth
- Empower women and girls in all their diversity
- Support human dignity and environmental or climate initiatives
- Deliver measurable local impact through innovative approaches
Funding & Duration
- Typical contributions: $30,000 – $60,000
- Maximum per project: $100,000
- Eligible costs include:
- Administrative and overhead expenses
- Infrastructure, installation, and transport
- Communication, outreach, and training
- Salaries for project staff
- Environmental assessments
- Exclusions: vehicles, luxury goods, nuclear technologies, gifts, military assistance, or direct government fiscal support
Eligibility
- Primary: Local civil society organizations, academic institutions, municipal/regional government bodies
- Secondary: International, intergovernmental, or Canadian organizations working on local initiatives
- Projects must be designed and led predominantly by local partners
- Proposals accepted in English or French
Why It Matters
CFLI enables local actors to drive meaningful change, addressing community priorities while strengthening Canada’s diplomatic engagement and bilateral partnerships.
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility of your organization
- Align your project with CFLI thematic priorities
- Prepare a project proposal with measurable impact objectives
- Submit in English or French before the deadline
FAQs
- Who can apply?
Local civil society, academic institutions, municipal/regional governments; international or Canadian organizations on local initiatives. - What is the funding range?
$30,000–$60,000 (maximum $100,000 per project). - What types of projects are supported?
Inclusive governance, gender equality, human dignity, environment and climate action. - Which costs are eligible?
Administrative, salaries, infrastructure, communication, training, outreach, environmental assessments. - What costs are excluded?
Vehicles, luxury goods, nuclear tech, gifts, military assistance, direct fiscal support to governments. - In what languages can proposals be submitted?
English or French. - Must projects be led by local partners?
Yes, local leadership is required.
Conclusion
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives empowers locally-led projects to create high-impact, innovative solutions, strengthen civil society, and advance Canada’s priorities in governance, gender equality, human dignity, and climate action.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.