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Open Call: The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives

Deadline: 15-Mar-2026

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) invites applications for funding small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries. Prioritizing local civil society organizations, the program focuses on gender equality, climate action, and inclusive growth, with grants ranging from CAD $5,000 to CAD $65,000.

About the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) is a Canadian government program that supports small-scale projects aimed at strengthening civil society in developing countries. CFLI grants are intended to fund locally-driven projects that foster positive bilateral relations with Canada while aligning with key thematic priorities for sustainable development.

Thematic Priorities

CFLI projects must focus on at least one of the following thematic areas:

  1. Growth That Works for Everyone: Promoting inclusive economic growth that benefits all segments of society.

  2. Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls: Advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls in all their diversity.

  3. Human Dignity: Protecting and promoting human rights and dignity for vulnerable populations.

  4. Environment and Climate Action: Contributing to environmental sustainability and tackling the climate crisis.

Eligible Applicants

The CFLI primarily supports local civil society organizations, including:

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

  • Not-for-profit organizations

  • Local academic institutions

  • Municipal or regional government bodies

In addition, international, intergovernmental, multilateral, and regional organizations can apply if they partner with local entities. The program seeks innovative, locally-driven initiatives that produce measurable social, environmental, and economic outcomes.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Projects must be local in scope and designed primarily by local partners.

  • Submitting organizations must be legally registered and maintain a bank account under their registered name.

  • Proposals must be submitted in English or French.

Funding Details

The CFLI typically funds projects with budgets ranging from CAD $5,000 to CAD $45,000, with a maximum contribution of CAD $65,000 per project. All funding is provided in Canadian dollars, and recipients will receive funds in the local currency equivalent.

Ineligible Costs

Certain expenses are not eligible for CFLI funding, including:

  • Purchase of vehicles

  • Nuclear technologies or facilities

  • Assistance to military or paramilitary organizations

  • Gifts, luxury goods

  • Direct fiscal support to a government

FAQs

  1. Who can apply for CFLI funding?
    CFLI primarily supports local civil society organizations, including NGOs, not-for-profits, academic institutions, and local government bodies. International organizations can apply if they partner with local entities.

  2. What are the thematic priorities for CFLI projects?
    The program prioritizes projects in the areas of inclusive growth, gender equality, human dignity, and environment and climate action.

  3. How much funding can I apply for?
    CFLI projects typically receive funding between CAD $5,000 and CAD $45,000, with a maximum of CAD $65,000 per project.

  4. In what currency will the funding be provided?
    All funding is provided in Canadian dollars and will be converted to the local currency.

  5. What types of costs are not eligible for CFLI funding?
    Ineligible costs include the purchase of vehicles, luxury goods, assistance to military organizations, and direct fiscal support to governments.

  6. How should the project proposal be submitted?
    Proposals must be submitted in English or French, and the submitting organization must be legally registered and maintain a bank account under its registered name.

  7. Can previously supported projects apply again?
    The program prioritizes new and innovative projects. However, organizations that have received funding in the past can still apply, as long as the new project is different from previous submissions.

Conclusion

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides essential support to local civil society organizations in developing countries. By funding high-impact projects aligned with Canada’s foreign policy goals and sustainable development priorities, CFLI aims to strengthen local communities and foster long-term positive bilateral relations.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.