Open Call: Supporting Local Development Projects (Rwanda and Burundi)

Deadline: 06-Apr-2026

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries, primarily led by local partners. Funding ranges from CAD 30,000 to 100,000 per project and covers a broad range of eligible project expenses. CFLI aims to strengthen civil society, local development, innovation, and Canada’s bilateral relations with countries like Rwanda and Burundi.

Overview

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) is a targeted funding program designed to support small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries. It prioritizes initiatives conceived and implemented by local partners, ensuring projects address real community needs while aligning with Global Affairs Canada’s thematic priorities.

Program Objectives

CFLI-funded projects focus on:

• Strengthening civil society: Empowering local actors to lead change and advocate for their communities.
• Promoting local development: Delivering tangible social, economic, and environmental impact at the community level.
• Fostering innovation: Encouraging new approaches and solutions for community challenges.
• Enhancing bilateral relations: Strengthening collaboration between Canada and recipient countries through local development initiatives.

Eligible Applicants

The program targets:

• Local civil society organizations and community-based groups
• Not-for-profit organizations engaged in local projects
• Academic institutions conducting locally implemented projects
• International NGOs collaborating with local partners
• Intergovernmental and regional organizations involved in local development
• Municipal or regional government institutions implementing local initiatives
• Canadian NGOs working on local development projects

Funding and Eligible Costs

• Typical funding range: CAD 30,000 – 60,000 per project
• Maximum funding: CAD 100,000 per project
• Eligible expenses include:
  • Administrative and overhead costs (up to 15% of project total)
  • Infrastructure capital or operating expenditures
  • Transportation, shipping, and vehicle/equipment operations
  • Computers, communication devices, and internet access
  • Salaries, civic education, conferences, and training
  • Outreach, advocacy, research, and environmental assessments
  • Legal, accounting, publishing, and broadcasting fees
  • Facility and equipment rental, security, translation, travel
  • Website development and other project-related expenses

Ineligible costs include:

• Purchase of vehicles and nuclear technologies
• Assistance to military or paramilitary organizations
• Gifts and luxury goods
• Direct fiscal support to governments
• Core or recurrent organizational costs
• Revolving funds
• Expenses incurred before the Contribution Agreement or after it expires

How to Apply

1. Assess eligibility: Ensure your organization and project align with CFLI priorities.
2. Define project objectives: Clearly outline social, economic, or environmental impact.
3. Prepare budget and work plan: Include eligible costs and overhead limitations.
4. Submit application: Follow Global Affairs Canada submission guidelines and deadlines.
5. Sign Contribution Agreement: Funding begins once the agreement is formalized.

Tips and Best Practices

• Emphasize local leadership and community impact in your proposal.
• Ensure budgets are realistic and comply with eligible cost guidelines.
• Focus on innovative approaches that can be scaled or replicated.
• Highlight collaboration with local and international partners where applicable.
• Avoid including ineligible expenses to prevent application disqualification.

FAQs

1. Who can apply for CFLI funding?
Local civil society groups, not-for-profits, academic institutions, international NGOs, intergovernmental/regional organizations, municipal/regional government institutions, and Canadian NGOs working on local projects are eligible.

2. What is the funding range per project?
Funding typically ranges from CAD 30,000 to 60,000, with a maximum of CAD 100,000.

3. Which costs are covered by CFLI?
Eligible costs include administrative expenses, infrastructure, travel, equipment, salaries, advocacy, research, and project-related overheads (up to 15%).

4. Are there restrictions on costs?
Yes, ineligible costs include vehicle purchases, military assistance, gifts, luxury goods, direct government funding, core organizational costs, and expenses outside the Contribution Agreement period.

5. Where does CFLI operate?
CFLI operates in developing countries, including Rwanda and Burundi, supporting locally-led initiatives.

6. Can international NGOs apply directly?
International NGOs can participate only in collaboration with local partners; direct funding is provided primarily to local actors.

7. What is the program’s main purpose?
CFLI aims to empower local actors, foster innovation, and deliver tangible results, while enhancing bilateral relations between Canada and recipient countries.

Conclusion

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides critical support to local actors in developing countries, enabling small-scale, high-impact projects that strengthen civil society, foster innovation, and advance local development. By funding locally-led initiatives, CFLI ensures lasting benefits for communities while reinforcing Canada’s commitment to global partnerships and sustainable development.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.