Context

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) is a unique fund in that most of the projects it finances are designed and implemented by small local civil society organisations. These organisations understand local needs and priorities and are often best placed to respond to them. This enhances the overall impact of the projects and strengthens mobilisation around issues of importance to the prosperity and well-being of local communities.

FCIL funds around 600 projects a year. This includes a wide range of initiatives, from training local election observers to improving community resilience to the consequences of climate change, and supporting the inclusion of women in local peace negotiations.

By supporting local groups that would not otherwise be eligible for funding from larger funders, FCIL is also helping civil society organisations to flourish and succeed.

 

Priorities

FCIL projects focus on issues such as:

• gender equality and empowering women and girls;
• human rights;
• democracy and governance;
• peace and security;
• action against climate change;
• economic growth.

The FCIL also provides modest funding for projects in response to natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.

 

Requirements

Organisations eligible to apply for FCIL funding include :

• local non-governmental, community and not-for-profit organisations;
• local educational establishments;
• international non-governmental organisations;
• intergovernmental, multilateral and regional institutions, organisations and agencies;
• institutions or government bodies at municipal, regional or national level in the beneficiary country;
• Canadian non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations.

Local civil society organisations will receive the bulk of FCIL funding. However, the other organisations and institutions listed may also apply for funding if they are working with local partners on locally-based projects that fit with the FCIL's objectives.

FCIL is constantly seeking to fund innovative projects that support meaningful change in communities abroad.

Open calls

 

Burkina Faso

Le Canada Fund for Local Initiatives - Burkina Faso (2022)

The Embassy of Canada in Burkina Faso is delighted to launch its annual call for proposals for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

Description of the programme

The FCIL is a programme designed to support small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries that are aligned with the thematic priorities of Canada's Department of Global Affairs. The programme targets projects designed and developed primarily by local partners. Projects are selected and approved by the Canadian embassy or high commission concerned. The FCIL also serves to support bilateral relations between Canada and recipient countries and their civil societies, by strengthening contacts and supporting local initiatives.

The average FCIL contribution is 25,000$ to 35,000$CAN. Consult the currency converter for local currency equivalents. Please note that all contributions are made in Canadian dollars and then converted into local currency.

How to apply - Canada Fund for Local Initiatives

• All projects must be completed between the date the contribution agreement is signed and 28 February 2023.
• The deadline for submission is Monday 20 June 2022 at 23:59 (GMT). Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered. Proposals must be submitted electronically to the following e-mail address OUAGA@international.gc.ca
• Only proposals using the designated application form and including the required budget document will be considered.
• For more information on the types of activities and costs eligible for FCIL funding, please consult the list of activities and costs approved by the FCIL.
• Proposals must be written in French or English.
• Project proposals must explicitly answer all the questions in the FCIL project application form, including the required gender analysis. The proposed project budget should summarise the proposed activities and associated costs.
• A selection committee will assess the applications on their merits.
• Due to the large number of applicants, only those selected will be contacted.
• Application form for project funding from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) (.pdf, 249.15KB)
  • Help: Opening PDF forms on our website
• Project applications are kept in mission files in accordance with Global Affairs Canada's information management policies. 

Organisations eligible for FCIL funding

Eligible beneficiaries are as follows:

• local non-governmental, community and not-for-profit organisations;
• local educational establishments working on local projects;
• international non-governmental organisations working on local development activities;
• international, intergovernmental, multilateral and regional institutions, organisations and bodies working on local development activities;
• Canadian non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations working on local development activities.

The majority of FCIL funding goes to local civil society organisations (including non-governmental organisations) and other institutions at the local level. Other entities, such as international, intergovernmental, multilateral and regional bodies, may also be eligible, provided that they work with local partners to carry out local projects that are in line with the FCIL's objectives. FCIL is always looking for innovative projects to fund that achieve measurable results.

Priorities thematic - Canadian Fund 

All projects must be aligned with at least one of the FCIL's thematic priorities.

• Peace and security, with a focus on conflict prevention and peace-building.
• Growth for all, including the promotion of women's economic rights, access to decent jobs and entrepreneurship, investment in the poorest and most vulnerable people, and the protection of economic progress.

Comparative analysis between genres

In 2017, Canada adopted the Feminist International Assistance Policy. This policy promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as the most effective ways to reduce poverty and build a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world. In line with this policy, gender analysis is a mandatory part of the FCIL funding application process. The aim of this change is to improve the results of the FCIL programme in terms of gender equality.

A comparative analysis between genres will require candidates to:

• study how women, girls, men and boys are affected differently by the problem their project aims to solve, in particular to ensure that the project does not cause harm;
• consult women and girls in the development of their project proposal; and
• ensure that these points of view inform the design of the project.

Please note that consultations can include: talking to women and girls in a local community; women and others who work for civil society organisations working in the local community; and men and women decision-makers and change-makers who have knowledge of the local community.

Inadequate completion of the gender analysis may have an impact on the review of your proposal.

Eligible expenses

The following costs are eligible for funding under the FCIL :

• Accounting;
• Conferences and other activities;
• Civic education costs;
• Salary costs, including allowances, related to the project;
• Website creation and related costs;
• Advocacy and lobbying;
• Capital expenditure or operating costs relating to the rental or purchase of a building or infrastructure;
• Environmental assessment;
• Training and capacity building;
• Administrative and general costs specific to the project (general costs should not exceed 15 % of the total FCIL contribution);
• Travel costs within the country, based on the lowest fare available, not exceeding the full economy fare;
• Miscellaneous costs required for the project;
• Installation, maintenance, shipping and transport costs, including fuel, computers and communications equipment;
• Hospitality expenses, excluding alcoholic beverages;
• Medical expenses;
• Facility rental costs ;
• Costs associated with the hire and/or purchase of equipment (only where the purchase is necessary to achieve the project's objectives, represents good value for money and the beneficiary has a sound maintenance plan in place to ensure the equipment's durability);
• Loan or hire of vehicles;
• Publication;
• Radio and television broadcasting;
• Research;
• Safety;
• Raising awareness, communicating and disseminating information;
• Legal services;
• Services received by beneficiaries;
• Translation and interpretation;
• Use, installation or maintenance of vehicles or equipment.

The following costs are not eligible for funding under the FCIL :

• nuclear technologies and facilities;
• assistance to military or paramilitary organisations;
• gifts;
• the acquisition of luxury items;
• direct financial support to a government;
• seed financing and/or microfinance;
• core funding or recurrent costs of an organisation.
• expenses incurred before the signing of the contribution agreement or after its expiry.

For more information