CFAs: Canada Fund for Local Initiatives 2026 (Haiti)

Deadline: 22-Jun-2026

The Embassy of Canada in Haiti has opened the 2026 Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) call for proposals to support small-scale, high-impact projects led by local organizations. The programme provides funding for initiatives focused on inclusive economic growth, women’s empowerment, democratic governance, human rights, peace, and security.

Eligible organizations in Haiti can apply for grants typically ranging from CAD $25,000 to CAD $50,000, with a maximum contribution of CAD $100,000 per project. The programme prioritizes locally designed solutions that deliver measurable results and strengthen community-level development.

Overview

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) is a Canadian government funding programme that supports locally driven development projects in partner countries.

The 2026 Haiti call focuses on empowering local organizations to design and implement projects that address community priorities while aligning with Canada’s international assistance objectives.

The programme promotes partnerships between Canadian institutions and local organizations working to improve social, economic, and governance outcomes.

Funding Snapshot

• Programme Name: Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) 2026
• Country Focus: Haiti
• Implementing Organization: Embassy of Canada in Haiti
• Funding Type: Project Grants
• Average Grant Size: CAD $25,000–CAD $50,000
• Maximum Grant Amount: CAD $100,000
• Currency: Canadian Dollars
• Target: Small-scale, high-impact community projects
• Priority Areas: Economic inclusion, human rights, governance, peace, and security

About the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)

The CFLI supports projects designed and implemented by local partners.

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen community-led development
• Support vulnerable populations
• Promote inclusive growth
• Advance human rights
• Improve democratic governance
• Contribute to peace and stability

The fund emphasizes practical interventions that create measurable and sustainable results.

Main Objectives of the 2026 Haiti Call

The call focuses on three major thematic priorities.

Growth That Works for Everyone

This priority supports inclusive economic opportunities and improved livelihoods.

Projects may focus on:

• Women’s economic rights
• Access to decent employment
• Entrepreneurship support
• Skills development
• Economic inclusion
• Support for vulnerable populations
• Protection of economic progress

The goal is to ensure economic opportunities reach marginalized and underserved communities.

Democratic Governance and Human Rights

This area supports initiatives that strengthen rights, participation, and accountability.

Eligible activities may include:

• Human rights awareness
• Civic participation
• Community engagement
• Democratic education
• Access to justice
• Protection of vulnerable groups
• Institutional strengthening

Projects should contribute to stronger democratic systems and community participation.

Peace and Security

The programme supports initiatives focused on conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Possible activities include:

• Conflict prevention
• Community dialogue
• Peacebuilding initiatives
• Social cohesion activities
• Local security approaches
• Violence prevention strategies

Projects should contribute to safer and more resilient communities.

Who Is Eligible?

The CFLI Haiti 2026 call is open to legally recognized organizations.

Eligible applicants include:

Local Organizations

Examples include:

• Non-governmental organizations
• Community organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Civil society organizations

Local organizations are strongly prioritized.

Academic Institutions

Eligible applicants may include:

• Universities
• Research institutions
• Educational organizations

Projects should align with CFLI development objectives.

International Organizations

Eligible entities may include:

• International NGOs
• Multilateral organizations
• Intergovernmental organizations

These organizations should demonstrate local partnerships.

Government Institutions

Public institutions may apply if their projects meet programme requirements.

Canadian Organizations

Canadian NGOs and not-for-profit organizations working on local development activities in Haiti may also apply.

Applicant Requirements

Eligible organizations must:

• Have legal recognition
• Operate in Haiti or work directly with Haitian partners
• Have appropriate project implementation capacity
• Maintain a dedicated organizational bank account

The bank account must:

• Be reserved exclusively for organizational use
• Be held with a banking institution established in Haiti

Priority for Local Partnerships

The CFLI strongly prioritizes community-based organizations and local institutions.

Organizations outside Haiti or larger institutions may receive support when they:

• Work with local partners
• Strengthen local capacity
• Deliver community-level results
• Align with CFLI priorities

Partnership-based approaches are encouraged.

Gender Equality Requirements

Applicants must conduct a gender-based analysis as part of project development.

The analysis should examine how project issues affect:

• Women
• Girls
• Men
• Boys

Projects should consider different experiences, barriers, and needs.

Participation of Women and Girls

Applicants must consult women and/or girls during project design.

Their perspectives should contribute to:

• Project planning
• Implementation approaches
• Decision-making processes
• Expected outcomes

Gender inclusion should be reflected throughout the project cycle.

Eligible Project Activities

CFLI funding may support a wide range of project-related expenses.

Administration and Management

Eligible costs include:

• Accounting services
• Project administration
• Approved overhead expenses

Advocacy and Civic Engagement

Funding may cover:

• Advocacy activities
• Public awareness initiatives
• Civic education

Events and Knowledge Sharing

Eligible expenses include:

• Conferences
• Workshops
• Community events
• Public engagement activities

Research and Development

Supported costs may include:

• Research activities
• Data collection
• Studies
• Documentation

Training and Capacity Building

Projects may fund:

• Skills training
• Professional development
• Organizational strengthening
• Community capacity building

Equipment and Technology

Eligible costs may include:

• Equipment purchases
• Communication devices
• Project-related tools

Communication and Outreach

Support may cover:

• Outreach campaigns
• Public information activities
• Website development

Transportation and Travel

Eligible expenses include:

• Domestic travel
• Transportation costs
• Project-related movement

Security Expenses

Projects may include:

• Necessary security measures
• Risk management activities

Ineligible Expenses

Some costs are not supported under CFLI.

These include:

Restricted Sectors

Funding does not support:

• Nuclear technologies
• Nuclear facilities
• Military organizations
• Paramilitary organizations

Financial Assistance Restrictions

Not eligible:

• Direct fiscal support to governments
• Seed funding
• Microfinance activities

Organizational Core Costs

Funding does not cover:

• General operating expenses unrelated to the project
• Core organizational funding
• Routine institutional costs

Other Exclusions

Not eligible:

• Luxury goods
• Gifts
• Expenses outside the approved project period

Applicants should ensure budgets only include eligible costs.

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify a Community Need

Projects should begin with a clear understanding of:

• Local challenges
• Target communities
• Development priorities

Step 2: Design a Relevant Project

Develop a proposal that explains:

• Objectives
• Activities
• Expected results
• Beneficiaries
• Sustainability approach

Step 3: Align With CFLI Priorities

Ensure the project addresses at least one priority area:

• Inclusive economic growth
• Democratic governance and human rights
• Peace and security

Step 4: Complete Gender Analysis

Include:

• Gender-related challenges
• Participation strategies
• Inclusion measures

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Create a realistic budget covering:

• Eligible costs
• Implementation activities
• Expected outputs

Step 6: Submit the Proposal

Applicants should provide complete documentation according to CFLI application requirements.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Focus on measurable community impact
• Clearly define beneficiaries
• Prioritize vulnerable groups
• Include women’s participation
• Demonstrate local ownership
• Provide realistic timelines
• Explain sustainability after funding ends
• Build strong partnerships
• Connect activities to CFLI priorities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing activities outside CFLI priorities
• Weak explanation of community needs
• Missing gender analysis
• Poorly defined results
• Unrealistic budgets
• Including ineligible expenses
• Lack of local partnership involvement
• Unclear sustainability plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the CFLI Haiti 2026 programme?

It is a Canadian grant programme supporting locally designed projects that contribute to development, human rights, governance, and peacebuilding in Haiti.

How much funding can organizations receive?

Typical grants range from CAD $25,000 to CAD $50,000, with a maximum contribution of CAD $100,000.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include Haitian NGOs, community organizations, civil society groups, academic institutions, international organizations, government institutions, and Canadian NGOs working in Haiti.

Are local organizations prioritized?

Yes. CFLI prioritizes local civil society organizations and community-level institutions.

Is a gender analysis required?

Yes. Applicants must conduct a gender-based analysis and include the perspectives of women and girls in project design.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects related to inclusive economic growth, women’s empowerment, human rights, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention are supported.

What expenses are not eligible?

CFLI does not fund nuclear activities, military organizations, gifts, luxury goods, microfinance, seed funding, direct government budget support, or costs outside the approved project period.

Conclusion

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) Haiti 2026 call provides an opportunity for local organizations to implement impactful projects that promote inclusive development, human rights, economic empowerment, and peace.

By supporting community-led solutions and strengthening local partnerships, CFLI aims to create sustainable improvements for vulnerable communities across Haiti. Organizations with innovative ideas, strong local connections, and measurable impact strategies are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.