The High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives is pleased to launch its annual call for proposals for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). 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.

Thematic Priorities

All projects must align with at least one of the following CFLI thematic priorities:

• 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 and/or plastic waste management.
• Growth that works for everyone: including women’s economic rights as it relates to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial training.
• COVID-19 related projects: including providing relief to vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19 and supporting recovery efforts.

Funding Information

• The average CFLI contribution is $30,000 to $50,000 Canadian Dollars (CAD$100,000 is the maximum allocation amount for a project eligible under CFLI).

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible recipients include:
  • Local, national or community-based organization (non-governmental and not-for-profit)
  • Local municipal, regional or national government institution or agency of the recipient country
  • Local academic institution
  • Canadian organization (non-governmental or not-for-profit) that is working on local development activities
  • International or regional organization (non-governmental or not-for-profit) that is working on local development activities
  • Intergovernmental or multilateral institution, organization or agency working on local development activities
• The majority of CFLI funding is to be 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.

For more information, visit Call for Proposal.