Evaluation Summary

Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), 2015-16 to 2020-21

About the evaluation

Global Affairs Canada’s Evaluation Division conducted an evaluation of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) covering the period from 2015-16 to 2020-21. The evaluation aimed to generate insights and recommendations to inform decision-making at mission and headquarters on how best to deliver the CFLI effectively.

Key findings

• The CFLI is an effective decentralized, flexible program. Its design made it responsive to both mission and local needs while supporting departmental priorities.
• The CFLI is an effective tool for access to and engagement with local stakeholders, while promoting Canada’s brand, visibility and values abroad.
• Human resources (dedicated CFLI staff) at both HQ and mission were considered key obstacles to optimally deliver a resource-intensive program like the CFLI.
• The CFLI approach to risk management did not align with its willingness to be a risk-tolerant program. This often resulted in missions’ reluctance to partner with newer, less experienced local organizations.
• CFLI’s data and financial management systems and processes were inefficient and not sufficiently transparent. This exposed the CFLI to significant institutional risks.
• The CFLI also contributed to a wide range of positive results at the local level. Results were commensurate with the small size and short duration of CFLI projects.

Recommendations

1. Conduct a strategic review that reaffirms and rearticulates the CFLI’s purpose, objectives and uses.
2. Identify human resource needs at mission and HQ and explore solutions to ensure the effective delivery of the CFLI program.
3. Identify and implement solutions to overcome the challenges related to CFLI’s data/financial management systems and processes.
4. Ensure CFLI’s performance management framework, systems and tools can accurately define, measure, track and report on CFLI results.
5. Encourage localization by updating the CFLI program’s current risk management approach and associated guidance to allow for a higher risk tolerance and, bearing in mind capacity restraints, develop guidance on how to intentionally support and strengthen the capacity of small, local organizations to serve as effective CFLI partners.