Call for Supporting High-Impact Civil Society Projects (Brazil)

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) Brazil provides financial support for small-scale, high-impact projects led by civil society organisations in Brazil. The programme supports initiatives that strengthen Canada–Brazil relations by advancing inclusive economic growth, women’s empowerment, democratic governance, and human rights.

About the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives Brazil

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) Brazil supports locally driven projects that create meaningful social, economic, and governance outcomes.

The programme provides project-based funding to civil society organisations, including non-governmental organisations, working to address community needs while supporting shared priorities between Canada and Brazil.

The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation by supporting practical projects that promote inclusion, equality, democratic values, and sustainable development.

Objectives of the CFLI Brazil Programme

The programme supports projects that align with one or more priority areas:

Inclusive economic growth.
Women’s empowerment.
Entrepreneurship development.
Financial security and resilience.
Democratic governance.
Human rights protection.
Community-based development initiatives.

Thematic Priority Areas

1. Growth That Works for Everyone

This priority area supports initiatives that promote inclusive economic opportunities.

Projects may focus on:

Inclusive markets.
Entrepreneurship development.
Women-led businesses.
Economic participation.
Financial resilience.
Equal access to economic opportunities.

These projects contribute to Canada’s economic diplomacy objectives by supporting sustainable and inclusive growth.

2. Democratic Governance and Human Rights

This area supports initiatives that strengthen democratic systems and protect fundamental rights.

Projects may include activities related to:

Democratic participation.
Human rights protection.
Civic engagement.
Strengthening civil society.
Creating conditions for economic stability and social development.

The focus is on building inclusive environments that support prosperity, trade, and regional stability.

Funding Information

The CFLI Brazil provides project-based financial support.

Grant Amounts

Funding levels include:

Average contribution: CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 per fiscal year
Maximum funding available: Up to CAD 100,000 per project

Funding decisions depend on:

Project quality.
Alignment with CFLI priorities.
Available programme resources.
Expected community impact.

Project Duration

Projects may be implemented over:

One year, or
Two years.

Single-Year Projects

Projects must be completed between:

The signing date of the Contribution Agreement, and
February 26, 2027

Two-Year Projects

Projects must be completed by:

February 25, 2028

Applicants requesting two-year funding must clearly explain:

Why additional time is required.
How the longer implementation period improves project outcomes.

The selected project duration cannot be changed after submission.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Civil society organisations.
Non-governmental organisations.
Local organisations implementing community-focused initiatives.

Applicants should demonstrate:

Experience delivering relevant projects.
Capacity to manage funding.
Strong community connections.
Alignment with CFLI priorities.

Eligible Project Activities

CFLI funding may support activities such as:

Capacity Building and Training

Eligible costs may include:

Training programmes.
Skills development.
Workshops.
Community capacity-building activities.

Community Engagement Activities

Funding may support:

Civic education.
Public awareness activities.
Conferences.
Community events.

Project Operations

Eligible expenses may include:

Project staff salaries.
Administrative costs directly connected to the project.
Service costs required for implementation.
Transportation and logistics.

Technology and Communication Support

Funding may cover:

Computers.
Communication equipment.
Internet costs related to project delivery.

Infrastructure and Equipment

Eligible costs may include:

Infrastructure-related leasing.
Purchase or construction expenses.
Installation.
Maintenance.
Shipping and transportation.

Budget Guidelines

Applicants should ensure that costs are directly linked to project implementation.

Eligible costs include:

Administrative expenses related to the project.
Overhead costs up to 15% of the total project budget.
Fuel and transportation expenses.
Event-related expenses.
Hospitality costs excluding alcoholic beverages.

Why the CFLI Brazil Programme Matters

The programme helps local organisations create practical solutions to community challenges.

CFLI-supported projects contribute to:

Stronger civil society networks.
Greater economic inclusion.
Improved human rights protection.
Increased participation of women and vulnerable groups.
Stronger democratic institutions.

By supporting grassroots initiatives, the programme encourages locally designed responses to social and economic challenges.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop a Project Concept

Applicants should identify:

A clear local challenge.
Target communities or beneficiaries.
Expected social, economic, or governance outcomes.

Step 2: Match the Project With CFLI Priorities

Applicants should demonstrate how their project supports:

Inclusive growth, or
Democratic governance and human rights.

Step 3: Prepare a Project Budget

The budget should include:

Activity costs.
Staff expenses.
Operational costs.
Equipment needs.
Administrative expenses.

Applicants should ensure all costs are reasonable and directly connected to project activities.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit their project proposal according to CFLI Brazil application requirements within the announced timeframe.

Tips for Strong Applications

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

Clearly explaining the community need.
Demonstrating measurable outcomes.
Showing local partnerships.
Including realistic timelines.
Providing a detailed and justified budget.
Explaining long-term project benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting projects unrelated to CFLI priorities.
Requesting unclear or unsupported expenses.
Failing to explain project impact.
Choosing a two-year timeline without justification.
Including costs that are not directly connected to project activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives Brazil?

It is a funding programme that supports small-scale, high-impact projects led by civil society organisations in Brazil.

Who can receive CFLI Brazil funding?

Civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations implementing eligible local projects can apply.

How much funding is available?

The average contribution is CAD 20,000–30,000, with up to CAD 100,000 available for individual projects.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects focused on inclusive economic growth, women’s empowerment, democratic governance, and human rights are eligible.

Can projects last more than one year?

Yes. Projects may last one or two years, but two-year proposals must justify the longer implementation period.

Are overhead costs eligible?

Yes. Overhead costs may be included up to 15% of the project budget.

What expenses can funding cover?

Funding may support staffing, training, events, transportation, technology, infrastructure-related costs, and other expenses directly connected to project delivery.

Conclusion

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives Brazil provides essential support for community-driven projects that promote inclusive growth, women’s empowerment, democracy, and human rights. By investing in local civil society organisations, the programme strengthens Canada–Brazil cooperation and helps create sustainable solutions to social and economic challenges.