Closed
Source verified July 9, 2026
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
Support for locally designed development projects
Offered by
Latest source updateLast Update: July 6, 2026Latest change: Several CFLI country pages were marked closed, and some country-specific pages updated deadlines, scope, funding guidance, and application instructions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 6, 2026
Latest change: Several CFLI country pages were marked closed, and some country-specific pages updated deadlines, scope, funding guidance, and application instructions.
CFLI country pages closed and updated
Several CFLI country pages now show the call for proposals as Closed, including Cambodia, Egypt, Ghana, Guyana and Suriname, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Guatemala and Belize, Armenia, and Togo. Some of those pages also state that the submission deadline has now passed; on Guyana and Suriname, the deadline is April 15, 2026 at 23:59 (GMT-4), while Cambodia’s page says the deadline for submitting a proposal has now passed. The Guyana and Suriname page also changed materially beyond closure: its average contribution guidance is now $30,000 to $60,000 CAD, with a CAD$100,000 maximum allocation, and its thematic priorities are now reduced to Inclusive governance and Growth that works for everyone. That page also adds two project-completion windows, with projects spanning 2 fiscal years (April 2026 to February 2028) potentially permitted, and completion required by February 26, 2027 for single-year projects or February 25, 2028 for two-year projects; it also changes the application email to GRGTNG
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
April 21, 2026
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries. It is directed at projects conceived and designed predominantly by local partners and selected by the relevant Canadian embassy or high commission.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries
- Local development activities
- Projects working on local development activities with local partners
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project budget document
- Proof of legal status
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Local non-governmental, community and not-for-profit organizations
- Local academic institutions working on local projects
- International non-governmental organizations working on local development activities
- Intergovernmental, multilateral and regional institutions, organizations and agencies working on local development activities
- Canadian non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations that are working on local development activities
Eligible expenses
- Administrative costs specifically related to the project
- Overhead costs specifically related to the project
- Capital and/or operating expenditures related to the lease, purchase or building of infrastructure
- Installation, maintenance, shipping and transportation costs, including fuel
- Computers, communication devices, and internet costs specifically related to the project
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Purchase of vehicle
- Nuclear technologies and facilities
- Assistance to military or paramilitary organizations
- Gifts
- Luxury goods
Eligible geographic areas
- Over 120 ODA-eligible countries
Selection criteria
- Applications will be assessed on their merits by a selection committee.
How to apply
- Applicants must apply through the Collaboration@International (C@I) portal for some country calls.
- Applicants must download the application forms, complete them offline, and upload the completed forms in C@I before the deadline.
- Completed applications must be submitted via email for some country calls.
- For Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia, only selected Preliminary Applications will be invited to submit the Full Application Proposal.
Processing and Agreement
- Projects are selected and approved by the relevant Canadian embassy or high commission.
- Applications will be assessed on their merits by a selection committee.
- Only selected Preliminary Applications may be invited to submit the Full Application Proposal.
- Only successful applicants will be contacted.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives Program
What is the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives?
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries. It is directed at projects conceived and designed predominantly by local partners and selected by the relevant Canadian embassy or high commission.
Who is eligible for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives program?
To be eligible for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives program, you must:
Projects must be conceived and designed predominantly by local partners
Projects must be locally focused in nature
Projects must align with the program’s thematic priorities
What expenses are eligible under Canada Fund for Local Initiatives?
Small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries
Local development activities
Projects working on local development activities with local partners
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives?
You can contact Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
Where is the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives available?
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives?
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC)