RFAs: Empowering Local Organizations for Sustainable Impact (Myanmar)

Deadline: 19-Apr-2026

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects led primarily by local partners, promoting civil society, innovation, and bilateral collaboration with Canada. Funding ranges from CAD $30,000 to $100,000 per project, covering a wide array of eligible costs while excluding military, luxury, and pre- or post-agreement expenditures.

Overview

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) provides targeted support for small, high-impact projects in developing countries. Projects are primarily designed and implemented by local partners, with a focus on advancing civil society, innovation, and Canada’s bilateral relations with recipient countries.

The program encourages projects that deliver measurable results and respond to the thematic priorities of Global Affairs Canada.

Objectives

CFLI projects aim to:

• Strengthen local civil society organizations.
• Promote innovative, sustainable initiatives.
• Foster bilateral cooperation between Canada and recipient countries.
• Deliver tangible, local-level impacts.

Eligible Recipients

CFLI funding is available to:

• Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, and not-for-profits.
• Local academic institutions implementing development projects.
• International NGOs or regional/intergovernmental organizations collaborating with local partners.
• Municipal, regional, or national government institutions executing essentially local projects.
• Canadian NGOs or not-for-profits involved in local development initiatives.

Eligible Project Costs

CFLI grants can cover a broad range of project-related expenses, including:

• Administrative and overhead costs directly linked to the project.
• Capital and operational expenditures for infrastructure, installation, and maintenance.
• Transportation, shipping, and travel (lowest fare).
• Computers, communication devices, internet, and website development.
• Project-related salaries, civic education, conferences, and events.
• Training, capacity building, and outreach/communication activities.
• Environmental assessments, advocacy, legal, and accounting fees.
• Publishing, radio, and television broadcast fees.
• Facility and equipment rental, research, security, translation, and interpretation.
• Vehicle and equipment operation costs integral to the project.

Ineligible Costs

CFLI funding does not cover:

• Purchase of vehicles or nuclear technologies/facilities.
• Support to military or paramilitary organizations.
• Gifts or luxury goods.
• Direct fiscal support to governments.
• Core or recurrent organizational costs.
• Revolving funds.
• Any expenses incurred outside the validity period of the Contribution Agreement.

Funding Amounts

• Average contribution: CAD $30,000–$45,000 per project.
• Maximum allocation: CAD $100,000 per project.
• Funding must align with project timeline, objectives, and scope.

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure the applicant is a recognized local partner or collaborating organization.
2. Develop a project plan: Define objectives, timeline, expected outcomes, and target beneficiaries.
3. Prepare a detailed budget: Include eligible costs only, avoiding ineligible expenditures.
4. Submit the application to the official CFLI portal or Canadian diplomatic mission.
5. Follow-up: Monitor project execution and comply with reporting requirements under the Contribution Agreement.

Tips for Successful Applications

• Clearly demonstrate local ownership and leadership of the project.
• Align proposals with Global Affairs Canada priorities.
• Provide detailed budgets and justify all expenses.
• Highlight measurable impact and sustainability of results.
• Collaborate with local and international partners where relevant.

FAQs

1. Who can receive CFLI funding?
Local NGOs, community groups, not-for-profits, academic institutions, international partners collaborating locally, and Canadian NGOs working on local development.

2. What is the typical grant size?
Funding usually ranges from CAD $30,000–$45,000, with a maximum of CAD $100,000.

3. Can CFLI funds be used for vehicle purchase or military support?
No, vehicles, military support, nuclear technologies, gifts, luxury goods, and core organizational costs are ineligible.

4. Are international NGOs eligible?
Yes, if they collaborate with local partners and implement projects consistent with CFLI objectives.

5. What costs are considered eligible?
Eligible costs include salaries, infrastructure, training, advocacy, research, events, publishing, travel, and equipment directly related to the project.

6. Can expenses outside the agreement period be funded?
No, only expenses incurred during the validity period of the Contribution Agreement are eligible.

7. Is project impact a consideration?
Yes, projects must demonstrate measurable local impact and alignment with Global Affairs Canada priorities.

Conclusion

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives empowers local actors to lead high-impact projects that strengthen civil society, foster innovation, and enhance Canada’s bilateral relationships. By providing flexible funding for a wide range of project-related expenses, CFLI enables meaningful and sustainable outcomes at the community level.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.