Open Call: Canada Fund for Local Development Projects (Namibia)

Deadline: 03-Jul-2026

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives 2026 call for proposals in Namibia supports small-scale, high-impact projects designed and implemented by local partners. Selected projects are expected to begin implementation in Fall 2026 and must align with Global Affairs Canada’s thematic priorities.

The average CFLI contribution in Namibia ranges from CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000, with a maximum allocation of CAD 100,000 for eligible projects. Funding supports local initiatives focused on inclusive growth, governance, peace and security, gender equality, human dignity, and environment and climate action.

What is the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives?

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives is a Global Affairs Canada programme that supports locally driven development projects in eligible countries.

The programme funds small-scale, high-impact initiatives that respond to local needs and align with Canada’s international engagement priorities.

In Namibia, the 2026 CFLI call supports projects developed mainly by local partners and approved by the relevant Canadian embassy or high commission.

Main Purpose of the 2026 CFLI Call in Namibia

The main purpose of the call is to support practical local projects that deliver measurable community impact.

The initiative aims to:

• Support locally designed development projects
• Strengthen civil society action
• Promote inclusive and sustainable development
• Build partnerships between Canada and Namibia
• Support local organisations working at the community level
• Advance Global Affairs Canada’s thematic priorities
• Strengthen bilateral relations through local cooperation

Geographic Focus

This call focuses on projects implemented in Namibia.

Projects should be locally relevant, community-focused, and implemented by eligible local partners or organisations working closely with local communities.

Thematic Priorities

Projects must align with one or more CFLI thematic priorities.

Thematic priorities include:

• Growth that works for everyone
• Inclusive governance
• Peace and security
• Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity
• Human dignity
• Environment and climate action

Funding Amount

The average CFLI contribution in Namibia ranges from CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000.

The maximum allocation for eligible projects is CAD 100,000.

Contributions are provided in Canadian dollars and converted into local currency.

Applicants should prepare realistic project budgets that match the scale, activities, and expected results of the proposed initiative.

Project Start

Selected projects are expected to begin implementation in Fall 2026.

Applicants should ensure that project activities and expenses align with the approved contribution agreement period.

Who is Eligible?

Funding is primarily directed toward local civil society organisations and institutions working at the local level.

Eligible recipients may include:

• Local non-governmental organisations
• Community organisations
• Local not-for-profit organisations
• Local academic institutions working on local projects
• International non-governmental organisations involved in local development activities
• Intergovernmental organisations working with local partners
• Multilateral organisations working with local partners
• Regional organisations working with local partners
• Government institutions supporting local projects
• Canadian non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations engaged in local development activities

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

The CFLI supports small-scale projects that are locally conceived, locally developed, and designed to deliver high-impact results.

Supported projects may include initiatives related to:

• Inclusive economic growth
• Local governance
• Civil society participation
• Peacebuilding
• Conflict prevention
• Women’s and girls’ empowerment
• Human rights
• Protection of vulnerable groups
• Climate resilience
• Environmental action
• Community development
• Local capacity-building

Key Concepts Explained

Small-Scale Project

A small-scale project is a focused initiative with a clear budget, defined activities, specific beneficiaries, and measurable outcomes.

High-Impact Project

A high-impact project produces meaningful results for communities, even with a modest funding amount.

Locally Driven Initiative

A locally driven initiative is designed and implemented by local partners based on local priorities, needs, and community realities.

Inclusive Governance

Inclusive governance means supporting participation, transparency, accountability, and access to decision-making for different groups in society.

Human Dignity

Human dignity refers to rights, wellbeing, equality, protection, and access to opportunities that allow people to live safely and with respect.

Eligible Project Expenses

Eligible expenses must be directly connected to project implementation.

Eligible costs may include:

• Administrative and overhead costs related to the project
• Infrastructure-related expenditures
• Communication devices
• Internet costs
• Project-related salaries
• Training and capacity-building
• Outreach activities
• Research costs
• Security expenses
• Travel costs
• Equipment rental
• Website development
• Other direct project implementation costs

Overhead Cost Limit

Project-related overhead costs should generally not exceed 15%.

Higher overhead limits may be accepted depending on the local context, security situation, or project complexity.

Applicants should clearly justify all overhead costs and show how they are necessary for project delivery.

Ineligible Project Costs

The CFLI does not support certain costs and activities.

Ineligible costs include:

• Vehicle purchases
• Nuclear technologies and facilities
• Assistance to military organisations
• Assistance to paramilitary organisations
• Gifts
• Luxury goods
• Direct fiscal support to governments
• Core organisational funding
• Revolving funds
• Expenses incurred before the signing of the contribution agreement
• Expenses incurred after the expiry of the contribution agreement

Applicants should ensure that all proposed expenses are eligible and directly linked to the approved project.

How the Programme Works

The CFLI provides project-based funding to eligible organisations for locally developed initiatives.

Applicants submit proposals aligned with the thematic priorities.

Selected initiatives are approved by the relevant Canadian embassy or high commission.

Funded organisations then implement approved activities according to the agreed budget, timeline, and project objectives.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare a clear and practical proposal that explains the project need, objectives, activities, beneficiaries, budget, and expected results.

Suggested Application Steps

1. Confirm that the applicant is an eligible organisation.
2. Identify the local issue the project will address.
3. Select the CFLI thematic priority that best matches the project.
4. Define clear project objectives.
5. Identify target beneficiaries and local partners.
6. Prepare a realistic activity plan.
7. Develop a budget within the eligible funding range.
8. Ensure all costs are eligible and directly linked to implementation.
9. Keep overhead costs within the general 15% guidance or justify any higher amount.
10. Explain how the project will deliver measurable results.
11. Show how the project is locally driven and community-focused.
12. Submit the proposal according to the official CFLI call instructions.

Expected Results

Selected projects should deliver practical benefits for local communities in Namibia.

Expected results may include:

• Stronger civil society engagement
• Improved community participation
• Increased support for women and girls
• Greater inclusion of vulnerable groups
• Better local governance outcomes
• Increased awareness of rights and human dignity
• Improved environmental or climate resilience
• Stronger peace and security outcomes
• Better local capacity to address development challenges

Why It Matters

The CFLI helps local organisations implement practical projects that respond directly to community needs.

In Namibia, the 2026 call supports initiatives that advance inclusive growth, governance, gender equality, peace, human dignity, and climate action.

Because the programme prioritises local partners, it helps strengthen grassroots leadership and ensures that supported projects are grounded in local realities.

It also strengthens cooperation between Canada, Namibia, and civil society organisations working for community-level change.

Tips for Strong Applications

A strong application should clearly show how the project will create measurable and locally relevant impact.

Applicants should focus on:

• Clear alignment with CFLI thematic priorities
• Strong local ownership
• Practical project design
• Specific target beneficiaries
• Realistic budget and timeline
• Clear and measurable results
• Strong community engagement
• Eligible and well-justified costs
• Organisational capacity to implement the project
• Sustainability beyond the funding period

Applicants should avoid broad project ideas and instead present focused activities that directly address a local need.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should carefully review eligibility, costs, and thematic priorities before applying.

Common mistakes include:

• Proposing activities outside CFLI priorities
• Submitting a project without clear local relevance
• Including ineligible costs such as vehicle purchases or core funding
• Requesting funding above the maximum allocation
• Failing to explain measurable results
• Providing vague activity descriptions
• Not identifying beneficiaries clearly
• Including expenses before the agreement is signed
• Including expenses after the agreement expires
• Not justifying overhead costs clearly
• Failing to show implementation capacity

FAQ

What is the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives?

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives is a Global Affairs Canada programme that supports small-scale, high-impact projects developed and implemented by local partners in eligible countries.

What is the focus of the 2026 CFLI call in Namibia?

The call supports projects related to inclusive growth, inclusive governance, peace and security, gender equality, human dignity, and environment and climate action.

How much funding is available per project?

The average CFLI contribution in Namibia ranges from CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000, with a maximum of CAD 100,000 for eligible projects.

When will selected projects begin?

Selected projects are expected to begin implementation in Fall 2026.

Who can apply?

Eligible recipients include local NGOs, community organisations, not-for-profit organisations, academic institutions, international NGOs involved in local development, intergovernmental and regional organisations, government institutions supporting local projects, and Canadian NGOs working on local development activities.

What costs are eligible?

Eligible costs may include project administration, infrastructure, communication devices, internet costs, salaries, training, outreach, research, security, travel, equipment rental, website development, and other direct implementation costs.

What costs are not eligible?

Ineligible costs include vehicle purchases, nuclear technologies, military or paramilitary assistance, gifts, luxury goods, direct fiscal support to governments, core organisational funding, revolving funds, and expenses outside the contribution agreement period.

Conclusion

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives 2026 call in Namibia provides funding for locally driven, small-scale projects that deliver measurable community impact. With average contributions ranging from CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000 and a maximum of CAD 100,000, the programme supports initiatives aligned with Canada’s priorities in inclusive growth, governance, peace, gender equality, human dignity, and climate action.

Strong proposals will be locally led, clearly aligned with CFLI priorities, realistic in scope and budget, and designed to produce practical results for communities in Namibia.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.