Canada Fund for Local Initiatives - Cuba (2025)

Program description

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) is a program designed to support small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries that align with Global Affairs Canada's thematic priorities. The program targets projects conceived and designed primarily by local partners. Projects are selected and approved by the relevant Canadian Embassy. The CFLI also supports the development of bilateral relations between Canada and recipient countries and their civil societies by building and strengthening contacts and supporting local efforts.

On average, projects funded by the CFLI have a contribution of CAD $35,000, with a maximum of CAD $100,000. Please refer to the currency converter for local currency equivalents. Please note that all contributions are in Canadian dollars and may be converted to other currencies.

How to apply

• All projects must be executed between the date of signature of the Contribution Agreement and February 28, 2026.
• The deadline for submission is March 24, 2025 at 23:59 Cuban time (GMT-4). Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered. Proposals should be sent electronically to the following e-mail address: HAVAN-CFLI@international.gc.ca.
• Only proposals that use the official form and include the required budget document will be considered.
• For more information on the types of activities and costs that are eligible for CFLI funding, please see the list of CFLI-approved activities and costs below.
• Project proposals must be submitted in English, French or Spanish.
• Project proposals must explicitly answer all questions on the CFLI application form, including the required gender-based analysis. The project budget should summarize the proposed activities and associated costs.
• Proposals will be evaluated for approval on merit by a selection committee.
• Due to the large number of applicants, only selected projects will be contacted.
• To obtain an application form contact the CFLI coordinator by email at HAVAN-CFLI@international.gc.ca.
• Applications are filed by the embassy in accordance with Global Affairs Canada's information management policies.
• Two-year programming:
• Projects lasting 2 fiscal years (April 2025 to March 2027) may be allowed depending on the objectives of the Project and the complexity of the activities.

Organizations eligible to apply for CFLI financing

Eligible organizations/institutions include:

• Local or community organizations (non-governmental and not-for-profit)
• Academic institutions working on local projects
• International or regional organizations (non-governmental and non-profit) working in local development activities.
• Intergovernmental, multilateral or regional institutions, organizations or agencies working in local development activities.
• Canadian organizations (non-governmental and non-profit) working in local development activities. 

The majority of CFLI funds go to 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, as long as they work with local partners and on projects that are consistent with the objectives of the CFLI. Likewise, municipal, regional or national government institutions may receive funding as long as their projects are essentially local in nature. The CFLI always seeks to fund innovative projects that deliver measurable results.

Thematic priorities

All projects must align with the following CFLI thematic priorities:

• Gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
• Inclusive governance, including diversity and LGBTQ2, human rights and rule of law.
• Environmental and climate action focused on adaptation and mitigation, as well as water management.

Gender-based analysis (GBA)

In 2017, Canada adopted a Feminist International Assistance Policy to promote 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 for all. As part of this policy, the CFLI project submission process calls for a gender-based analysis. The purpose of this change is to improve the gender equality outcomes of the CFLI Program.

A gender-based analysis requires that applicant organizations:

• Consider how women, girls, men and boys are differentially affected by the problem the project is addressing, as well as ensure that the project follows the principles of do no harm;
• Consult with women and/or girls in the development of their project proposal,
• Ensure the incorporation of women's views and opinions in project design.

Note that consultations may include, but are not limited to: talking to women and girls in the community; talking to women and others who work for civil society organizations and who have worked in the community; talking to men and women decision-makers and change agents in the community who have knowledge of the community.

An inadequate/incomplete gender-based analysis may affect the consideration of your proposal.

Eligible/allowable costs

The following expenses are allowable for projects funded by the CFLI:

• Advocacy and lobbying activities,
• Civic education costs;
• Environmental impact assessment costs,
• Hospitality costs (food and beverages), excluding alcoholic beverages;
• Cost of services received by organizations receiving funds from the Canada Fund;
• Security costs;
• Costs of radio and television spots;
• Website development and related costs;
• Training, capacity building and related expenses;
• Administrative and overhead costs specifically related to the project (overhead costs should not exceed 15% of the total CFLI contribution);
• Expenses associated with communication and information dissemination activities;
• Expenses associated with research;
• Expenses associated with the organization of conferences and events;
• Accounting expenses,
• Capital and/or operating expenses related to the lease and/or purchase and/or construction of infrastructure;
• Miscellaneous expenses essential to carry out the project.
• Installation, maintenance, shipping and/or transportation expenses, including fuel; computers and communication devices;
• Domestic travel expenses, using the lowest possible fares, not to exceed full fare economy class;
• Legal expenses,
• Medical expenses,
• Operation, installation and/or maintenance of vehicles and equipment;
•  Publications;
• Rental of facilities and equipment;
• Rental or lease of vehicles;
• Salaries of personnel related to the project;
• Translation and interpretation.

The following expenses are not eligible/allowable for CFLI funding:

• Luxury items,
• Assistance to military or paramilitary organizations,
• Funds used to make loans to individuals, micro-credit or other micro-financing instruments or cash donations.
• Expenses associated with the day-to-day operation of the organization or recurring expenses;
• Fiscal expenditures in direct support of a government,
• Expenses incurred prior to the signing of the Contribution Agreement, between the organization and the Government of Canada, or after the expiration date of the Contribution Agreement.
•  Gifts,
• Nuclear technologies and facilities.