Open Call: Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (South Sudan)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) 2026 in South Sudan provides funding for small-scale, high-impact projects led by local partners. Focused on peace, governance, human rights, and gender equality, the program supports locally conceived initiatives with measurable outcomes, fostering collaboration between Canada and South Sudan.

Overview of the CFLI 2026

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports locally led projects that promote development, strengthen bilateral relations, and address community priorities in South Sudan. The program encourages:

• Innovation in project design

• Community-driven solutions

• Measurable and tangible impact on local development

• Strengthened collaboration between Canada and South Sudan

Thematic Priorities

Projects must align with at least one of the following themes:

1. Peace and Security

• Initiatives that enhance local stability

• Support community reconciliation and conflict prevention

2. Inclusive Governance

• Promote human rights, transparency, and accountability

• Support media freedom and civic engagement

3. Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

• Projects that empower women and girls in all their diversity

• Promote equal access to social, economic, and political opportunities

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Local civil society organizations (CSOs) such as NGOs, community groups, and not-for-profits

• Local academic institutions engaged in community-focused projects

• International NGOs, intergovernmental, multilateral, and regional organizations, when collaborating with local partners

• Municipal, regional, or national government institutions, provided the project has a clear local focus

• Canadian NGOs and not-for-profits working on local development initiatives

Projects must be community-led, ensuring that they respond to local needs and priorities.

Funding Details

• Average contribution per project: ~20,000 CAD

• Funding is provided in Canadian dollars and converted to local currency for disbursement

• Projects must be completed within the timeframe from signing the contribution agreement until February 26, 2027

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure your organization qualifies under CFLI criteria

2. Align with thematic priorities: Projects must meet at least one program priority

3. Prepare proposal: Include objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and measurable impact

4. Submit application in English: Only proposals in English will be considered

5. Approval process: The Canadian embassy or high commission selects and approves projects

Tips for a Strong Application

• Emphasize local leadership and community relevance

• Demonstrate measurable impact with clear indicators

• Highlight innovation and unique approaches

• Show collaboration with local and international partners if applicable

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals that do not align with program priorities

• Ignoring the local partner focus requirement

• Failing to demonstrate measurable impact

• Submitting applications in languages other than English

• Overlooking the project completion timeframe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of organizations can apply?
Local NGOs, community groups, academic institutions, government bodies with a local focus, and Canadian NGOs are eligible.

2. What is the average funding per project?
Approximately 20,000 CAD, disbursed in Canadian dollars.

3. What are the main thematic priorities?
Peace and security, inclusive governance (human rights and media freedom), and gender equality with women and girls’ empowerment.

4. Are international organizations eligible?
Yes, if they collaborate with local partners.

5. Can government institutions apply?
Yes, provided projects maintain a clear local focus.

6. In which language should proposals be submitted?
All applications must be submitted in English.

7. When must projects be completed?
Projects must be completed by February 26, 2027, according to the signed contribution agreement.

Conclusion

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) 2026 empowers locally led, high-impact projects in South Sudan, fostering innovation, community engagement, and stronger Canada–South Sudan relations. By supporting initiatives in peace, governance, and gender equality, the program ensures sustainable, measurable improvements aligned with local needs.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.