The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives – Argentina (2023)

The Embassy of Canada in Argentina 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.

Selection of CFLI projects for Argentina for 2023-2024

• The deadline to apply is February 20, 2023 at 23:59 (GMT-4).
• Project activities can start as early as June 1st, 2023, and must be completed by February 28, 2024
• The average contribution for each project is C$30,000. Organizations receive funds in local currency. Official exchange rates are used.
• Projects must yield tangible and lasting results and be aligned with at least 1 thematic priority.
• To get an application form or for questions about the application process, please contact by email at: BAIRS.CFLI-FCIL@international.gc.ca.
• Project proposals must explicitly answer all questions in the CFLI project application form, including the required gender-based analysis.
• Proposal applications must be completed in English, French or Spanish.
• Due to the large number of applicants, only the successful candidates will be contacted at the end of the selection process. Please remember that the pre-selection process tends to last 6 weeks.
• Pre-selected applications will be assessed for approval on their merits and the targeting of the priority area of work by a selection committee.
• Projects spanning two Canadian fiscal years (from June 2023 up to February 2025) may be permitted depending on the project objectives and the complexity of activities.
• More information about the CFLI

Thematic priorities

All projects must align with at least 1 of the following CFLI thematic priorities:

• Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls
• Inclusive governance, including diversity, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption
• Environment and climate action focusing on adaptation and mitigation, as well as on water management

Organizations eligible to apply for CFLI funding

Eligible recipients include:

• local non-governmental, community and not-for-profit organizations
• local academic institutions working on local projects
• international, inter-governmental, 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 project
• 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, inter-governmental, 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.

Gender-based analysis

In 2017, Canada adopted its Feminist International Assistance Policy to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as the most effective way to reduce poverty and build a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world. In alignment with this policy, the CFLI project application process now requires a gender-based analysis (GBA). The purpose of this change is to enhance the gender equality outcomes of the CFLI program.

A GBA will require applicants to:

• consider how women, girls, men, and boys are affected differently by the problem their project is aiming to address, ensuring, at the same time, that the project does not cause harm
• consult women and/or girls in the development of their project proposal
• ensure that the views of those women and/or girls inform the project’s design

Note that consultations can include, but are not limited to, speaking to women and girls from the local community, women and other individuals who work for civil society organizations that have worked in the local community and female and male decision and change makers who have knowledge of the local community.

Inadequate completion of a GBA may affect the consideration of your proposal.

Eligible costs

The following project costs are eligible for CFLI funding:

• administrative and overhead costs specifically related to the project (these should not exceed 20% of the total CFLI contribution)
• capital and/or operating expenditures related to the lease and/or purchase and/or building of infrastructure
• installation, maintenance, shipping and/or transportation costs, including fuel, computers and communication devices
• civic education costs
• conference and event expenditures
• hospitality costs, excluding alcoholic beverages
• training and capacity building expenditures
• costs of services received by recipients;
• outreach, communication and information dissemination costs
• environmental assessment costs
• advocacy and lobbying related costs
• legal costs
• accounting costs
• medical costs
• publishing costs
• radio and television broadcast fees
• facilities and equipment rental charges
• research-related cost
• salary costs relating to the project
• security costs
• translation and interpretation fees
• domestic travel expenses, using lowest fares possible but not exceeding full fare economy class
• lease or rental of vehicles
• vehicle and equipment operation, installation and/or maintenance
• website development and related costs
• miscellaneous expenses integral to the project

The following costs are not eligible for CFLI funding:

• core funding
• expenses incurred prior to the signing of the contribution agreement, or after it expires
• nuclear technologies and facilities
• assistance to military or paramilitary organizations
• gifts
• luxury goods
• direct fiscal support to a government