Canada Fund for Local Initiatives – Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau (2024)

Welcome to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) – Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau (2024) application guide. CFLI supports small-scale, high-impact projects implemented by local organizations in Gambia, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. This guide aims to provide you with comprehensive information on eligibility criteria, the application process, documentation requirements, and tips for a successful application.

Objective

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) catalyzes sustainable development by supporting grassroots initiatives in developing countries. In 2024, the CFLI is dedicated to enhancing the socio-economic landscape of Gambia, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau through targeted projects aimed at fostering inclusive governance, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and peacebuilding.

Overview

Administered by the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, the CFLI operates on the principle that local solutions are best suited to address local challenges. By providing funding and technical support to community-driven projects, the CFLI empowers marginalized populations, strengthens civil society, and promotes sustainable development.

Priorities

Projects eligible for CFLI funding must align with one or more of the following priority areas:

Promoting Gender Equality and Empowerment:

Initiatives that advance women’s rights, gender equality, and female leadership, thereby creating more inclusive and equitable societies.

Supporting Inclusive Governance:

Projects that enhance democratic governance, accountability, transparency, and civic participation, contributing to more resilient and responsive institutions.

Advancing Environmental Sustainability:

Efforts to mitigate climate change, preserve natural resources, promote sustainable livelihoods, and build climate resilience within vulnerable communities.

Fostering Peace and Security:

Activities that promote conflict resolution, peacebuilding, social cohesion, and community resilience, ultimately contributing to stability and prosperity.

Eligible Countries

For the 2024 CFLI cycle, the following countries are eligible to apply for funding:

Gambia
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau

Eligible Applicants

Local civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations, and other grassroots entities with a proven track record of working on development issues are eligible to apply for CFLI funding.

Deadline

The deadline for submitting project proposals for CFLI funding is [29 March 2024]. It is imperative to adhere to this deadline as late submissions will not be considered.

Funding amount

All flight travel (up to €1000) accommodation (100 euro/night) and a per diem (30 euro) will be covered for each selected participant.

Benefits

Successful applicants stand to benefit from CFLI funding in several ways:

Community Development:

CFLI projects can support initiatives that directly benefit local communities, addressing their specific needs and priorities.

Capacity Building:

The CFLI often focuses on strengthening local organizations and institutions, enhancing their capacity to implement sustainable development projects independently.

Women’s Empowerment:

CFLI projects may promote gender equality and women’s empowerment by supporting initiatives that enhance women’s participation in decision-making processes and provide them with access to resources and opportunities.

Environmental Sustainability:

CFLI-funded projects could contribute to environmental conservation efforts, such as promoting sustainable agriculture practices, renewable energy adoption, or waste management solutions.

Education:

CFLI initiatives may support education and skill-building programs, aiming to improve access to quality education and training opportunities for marginalized communities.

Healthcare:

The CFLI could fund projects aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes, including initiatives focused on maternal and child health, disease prevention, and healthcare infrastructure development.

Promotion of Human Rights:

CFLI projects may support initiatives that promote human rights, social justice, and the rule of law, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Cultural Exchange:

The CFLI can facilitate cultural exchange programs and initiatives that promote intercultural understanding and appreciation, fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse communities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for CFLI funding, project proposals must meet the following criteria:

Be a local organization, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and other grassroots organizations.
Propose projects that align with CFLI priorities, such as gender equality, human rights, inclusive governance, and environmental sustainability.
Have the capacity to implement and manage the proposed project effectively.

Ineligibility

Applicants who do not meet the following criteria are ineligible for CFLI funding:

Individuals and for-profit organizations.
Projects that do not align with CFLI priorities.
Projects that are primarily for the benefit of foreign entities or individuals.

How to Apply

To apply for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) in Gambia, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau in 2024, you can follow these steps:

Visit the official website of the Canadian diplomatic mission in each respective country. This could be the High Commission of Canada or the Embassy of Canada.[https://www.hatch.blue/blue-venture-builder-africa].
Look for the section dedicated to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) on the website. This section should provide information about the application process, eligibility criteria, and application forms.
Review the guidelines and eligibility criteria carefully to ensure that your proposed project aligns with the objectives of the CFLI and meets the requirements for funding.
Download the application form provided on the website. Fill out the form completely and accurately, providing detailed information about your project proposal, including its objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and budget.
Gather any supporting documents or materials required for the application, such as project plans, budgets, letters of support, and organizational information.
Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the designated email address or mailing address specified on the website. Be sure to adhere to any deadlines mentioned for submission.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, you can contact the Canadian diplomatic mission in your country directly for guidance and support.

Documentation Requirements

Applicants must provide the following documentation:

Project proposal outlining the objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and budget.
Organizational information, including registration documents, governance structure, and previous project experience.
Budget breakdown and financial statements.
Letters of support or partnership agreements, if applicable.

Tips for Successful Application

Clearly demonstrate how your project aligns with CFLI priorities.
Develop a realistic and detailed budget that accurately reflects project costs.
Provide evidence of community engagement and support for the project.
Highlight your organization’s capacity to implement and manage the proposed project effectively.
Submit the application well before the deadline to allow for any unforeseen delays.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Can individuals apply for CFLI funding?

No, CFLI funding is only available to local organizations, including NGOs, CBOs, and grassroots organizations.

What is the deadline for CFLI applications?

The deadline for CFLI applications is (29 March 2024]. Please refer to the official website for any updates or changes to the deadline.

Can projects be implemented in multiple countries within the region?

Yes, CFLI projects can be implemented in multiple countries within the region, as long as they meet all eligibility criteria and priorities.

Is there a maximum funding amount for CFLI projects?

A: CFLI funding amounts vary depending on the scope and scale of the project. Please refer to the application guidelines for more information on funding limits.