The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives supports high-impact research and science projects by local organizations in ODA-eligible countries to advance governance, equality, peace, growth, and climate action.
Funder: Global Affairs Canada
Due Dates: May 8, 2026 (Serbia/Montenegro/North Macedonia - Preliminary) | May 14, 2026 (Angola) | May 15, 2026 (Armenia) | May 21, 2026 (Albania) | May 22, 2026 (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Benin, Burkina Faso) | June 5, 2026 (Jamaica)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards range from CA$15,000–CA$60,000; maximum per project up to CA$100,000; most awards are CA$30,000–CA$50,000 and projects are usually 1 year.
Summary: Supports small, high-impact projects by local organizations in ODA-eligible countries to advance governance, equality, peace, growth, and climate action.
Key Information: Local civil society organizations are prioritized; other groups must partner with local entities.
Description
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), administered by Global Affairs Canada, provides financial support for small-scale, high-impact projects in over 120 countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). The program is designed to empower local civil society organizations, academic institutions, and other eligible entities to address community needs and foster prosperity and well-being. CFLI supports initiatives in areas such as inclusive governance, gender equality, peace and security, economic growth, environmental and climate action, and human dignity. The fund also responds to natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies, with an emphasis on projects that may not qualify for funding from larger donors.
