Applications Invited for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) Program

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About the Organization

The High Commission of Canada to India, located in New Delhi, is the official diplomatic mission representing Canada in India. Canada also has Consulates General in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai, a Consulate in Kolkata, and Trade Offices in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

About the Grant

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

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 $20,000 to $50,000 Canadian Dollars (CAD$100,000 is the maximum allocation amount for a project eligible under CFLI).

Thematic priorities:

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

• 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.
• Environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management.
• Inclusive governance, including diversity and 2SLGBTQI+, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Eligibility

Eligible recipients include:

• 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,
• Municipal, regional or national government institutions or agencies of the recipient country working on local projects, and
• Canadian non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations that are 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 particularly seeks to fund innovative projects that deliver measurable results.

How to Apply

• All projects must be completed between the date of signature of the Contribution Agreement and February 28, 2026.  This year’s call is for single-year long projects only.
• The deadline for submission of the Preliminary Application Form is May 15, 2025, at 23:59 (GMT+ 6:00). Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.
• Proposals should be submitted through the online application form. To obtain the link please contact the CFLI Coordinator by email at CFLI-India@international.gc.ca.
• Only those proposals using the designated online application form fully filled will be considered.
• For more information on the types of activities and costs that are eligible for CFLI funding, please refer to the list of CFLI approved activities and costs.
• Proposals must be completed in English or French.
• Applications will be assessed for approval on their merits by a selection committee.
• Due to the large number of applicants, only the successful candidates will be contacted and will be asked to submit more detailed proposals for consideration.
• For questions about the application process, please contact the High Commission of Canada by email at CFLI-India@international.gc.ca.
• Project applications are kept on file at missions in accordance with Global Affairs Canada’s information management policies.

For more information please check the Link

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Tags Environment and Sustainability Governance Healthcare and Healthtech Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Others