The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries that align with Global Affairs Canada’s thematic priority areas for engagement.

The CFLI focuses on supporting local civil society organizations, academic institutions, municipal and regional government bodies, international NGOs, intergovernmental and multilateral organizations, and Canadian NGOs working on local development activities, fostering positive bilateral relations and community-led initiatives.

The CFLI prioritizes projects that are conceived and designed predominantly by local partners, deliver measurable results, and contribute to strengthening local civil society and positive relations between Canada and recipient countries. It encourages innovative projects that address local needs while remaining consistent with the program’s objectives.

Eligible recipients include local non-governmental, community and not-for-profit organizations, local academic institutions working on local projects, international non-governmental organizations collaborating with local partners, intergovernmental, multilateral and regional institutions, municipal, regional or national government agencies working on local projects, and Canadian NGOs engaged in local development activities. The program typically provides contributions ranging from CAD$20,000 to CAD$50,000 per project, with $50,000 being the maximum allocation.

Funding may cover a wide range of project-related costs, including administrative and overhead costs, capital and operating expenditures for infrastructure, installation, maintenance, shipping, and transportation, computers and communication devices, internet costs, salaries, civic education, conferences and events, hospitality excluding alcoholic beverages, training and capacity building, services received, outreach and communication, environmental assessment, advocacy and lobbying, legal and accounting services, medical expenses, publishing, radio and television fees, facility and equipment rentals, research, security, translation and interpretation, travel using economy fares, vehicle lease and operation, website development, and other miscellaneous costs integral to the project. Overhead costs should generally not exceed 15%, though higher thresholds may be considered depending on local context, security, and project complexity.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.