Program description
The CFLI is a program designed to support small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries, which align with Global Affairs Canada’s thematic priority areas for engagement. The program is directed at projects conceived and designed predominantly by local partners. Projects are selected and approved by the relevant Canadian embassy or high commission. The CFLI also serves to support positive bilateral relations between Canada and recipient countries and their civil societies, by deepening contacts and supporting local endeavours.
The average CFLI contribution is C$15,000 to C$30,000 Canadian Dollars (C$100,000 is the maximum allocation amount for a project eligible under CFLI). Consult the currency converter for local currency equivalents. Please note that all contributions are made in Canadian dollars and then converted to the local currency.
How to apply
The deadline for submission is Friday April 10, 2020, at 23:59 (GMT+7). Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
- please complete the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) Project Application for Funding Form
- proposals must be submitted to: [email protected]
- all projects must be completed between the date of signature of the Contribution Agreement and February 28, 2021.
- contribution Agreements for selected projects will be signed in May or June 2020
- only proposals using the designated application form and including the required budget document will be considered
- proposals must answer all questions in the CFLI project application form
- the proposed project budget should summarise the proposed activities and associated costs
- proposals must be completed in English or French (organisations which are unable to complete the application form in English or French should contact [email protected] immediately)
- applications will be assessed for approval on their merits by a selection committee
- only successful candidates will be contacted
- proposals are kept on file at missions in accordance with Global Affairs Canada’s information management policies
- contact the CFLI Coordinator with any questions about the application process at [email protected]
Note: This call for proposals is for projects in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Thailand only. Please check online for details of CFLI opportunities in other countries.
Organizations eligible to apply for CFLI funding
Eligible recipients include:
- local non-governmental, community and not-for-profit organizations
- local academic institutions working on local projects
- international, intergovernmental, multilateral and regional institutions, organizations and agencies working on local development activities
- municipal, regional or national government institutions or agencies of the recipient country working on local projects
- Canadian non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations that are working on local development activities
The majority of CFLI funding is directed toward local civil society organizations (including non-governmental organizations) and other institutions working at the local level. Other entities, such as international, intergovernmental, multilateral and regional organizations may be eligible for funding, provided they are working with local partners and on local projects that are consistent with the objectives of the CFLI. Similarly, municipal, regional and national government institutions may receive funding, provided that their projects are essentially local in nature.
The CFLI is always looking to fund innovative projects that deliver measurable results.
Thematic priorities
All projects must align with at least one of the following CFLI thematic priorities:
Cambodia
- gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls
- inclusive governance, including diversity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law
- environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management
Lao PDR
- gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls
- growth that works for everyone, including women’s economic rights, decent jobs and entrepreneurship, investing in the poorest and most vulnerable, and safeguarding economic gains
- inclusive governance, including diversity, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law
Thailand
- gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls
- inclusive governance, including diversity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law
- environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management
Gender-based analysis
In 2017, Canada adopted its Feminist International Assistance Policy to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as the most effective way to reduce poverty and build a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world. In alignment with this policy, the CFLI project application process now requires a gender-based analysis (GBA). The purpose of this change is to enhance the gender equality outcomes of the CFLI program.
A GBA will require applicants to:
- consider how women, girls, men, and boys are affected differently by the problem their project is aiming to address, ensuring, at the same time, that the project does not cause harm
- consult women and/or girls in the development of their project proposal
- ensure that the views of those women and/or girls inform the project’s design
Note that consultations can include, but are not limited to, speaking to women and girls from the local community, women and other individuals who work for civil society organizations that have worked in the local community and female and male decision and change makers who have knowledge of the local community.
Inadequate completion of a GBA may affect the consideration of your proposal.
Eligible costs
The following project costs are eligible for CFLI funding:
- accounting costs
- administrative and overhead costs related to the project (overhead should not exceed 15% of total CFLI contribution)
- advocacy and lobbying related costs
- capital and/or operating expenditures related to the lease and/or purchase and/or building of infrastructure
- civic education costs
- conference and event expenditures
- costs of services received by recipients
- domestic travel expenses, using lowest fares possible but not exceeding full fare economy class
- environmental assessment costs
- facilities and equipment rental charges
- hospitality costs, excluding alcoholic beverages
- installation, maintenance, shipping and/or transportation costs, including fuel, computers and communication devices
- lease or rental of vehicles
- legal costs
- medical costs
- miscellaneous expenses integral to the project
- outreach, communication and information dissemination costs
- publishing costs
- radio and television broadcast fees
- research-related costs
- salary costs relating to the project
- security costs
- training and capacity building expenditures
- translation and interpretation fees
- vehicle and equipment operation, installation and/or maintenance
- website development and related costs
The following costs are not eligible for CFLI funding:
- assistance to military or paramilitary organizations
- core funding
- direct fiscal support to a government
- expenses incurred prior to the signing of the contribution agreement, or after it expires
- gifts
- luxury goods
- nuclear technologies and facilities