The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives – Lesotho (2026)

The High Commission of Canada in South Africa is pleased to launch its annual call for proposals for the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The purpose of this process is to select around 2 projects to be implemented in Lesotho starting by Fall 2026.

Program/Opportunity overview

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.

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, intergovernmental, 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.

Eligible recipients include:

• Local non-governmental, community and not-for-profit organizations 
• Local academic institutions working on local projects 
• International non-governmental organizations working on local development activities
• Intergovernmental, 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 projects
• Canadian non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations that are working on local development activities

The average CFLI contribution in Lesotho is $20,000 to $50,000 Canadian Dollars (CAD$100,000 is the maximum allocation amount for a project eligible under CFLI). Consult the currency converter for local currency equivalents. Please note that all contributions are made in Canadian dollars and then converted to the local currency. 

How to apply

• STAGE 1: Expressions of Interest will be accepted and shortlisted on a rolling basis untilJuly 3, 2026, at 23:59 (GMT+2). Interested organizations are encouraged to apply early.
• To obtain an Expression of Interest form, please send an email to PRET.CFLI-FCIL-Proposition@international.gc.ca
• STAGE 2: Shortlisted applicants will be notified by email during the month of July 2026 and will be invited to submit a more detailed Project Proposal and Budget.
• Only those proposals using the designated application forms and including the required budget document will be considered.
• Proposals must be completed in English or French.
• Projects spanning 2 fiscal years (April 2026 to February 2028) may be permitted depending on the project objectives and the complexity of activities. 
• All projects will be required to be completed between the date of signature of the Contribution Agreement and February 28, 2027, for single-year project or February 29, 2028, for two-years project. 
• Applications will be assessed for approval on their merits by a selection committee.
• Due to the high volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted. 
• For more information on the types of activities and costs that are eligible for CFLI funding, please refer to the list of CFLI approved activities and costs.
• For questions about the application process, please contact the CFLI Coordinator by email at PRETCFLI-FCIL@international.gc.ca
• Project applications are kept on file at the High Commission in accordance with Global Affairs Canada’s information management policies.

Thematic priorities

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

• Growth that works for everyone;
• Inclusive governance;
• Peace and security;
• Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity;
• Human dignity; or
• Environment and climate action.

Eligible costs

The following project costs are eligible for CFLI funding: 

• administrative costs specifically related to the project
• overhead costs specifically related to the project
  • Overhead costs related to a project should not exceed 15%. Missions may, at their discretion, accept a higher threshold, based on local context; security situation; complexity of project etc.
• capital and/or operating expenditures related to the lease and/or purchase and/or building of infrastructure (for example: office rent specifically relating to the project)
• installation, maintenance, shipping and/or transportation costs, including fuel
• computers and communication devices
• internet costs specifically relating to the project
• salary costs relating to the project
• 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 costs
• security costs
• translation and interpretation fees
• 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 project costs are not eligible for CFLI funding: 

• purchase of vehicle 
• nuclear technologies and facilities 
• assistance to military or paramilitary organizations 
• gifts 
• luxury goods 
• direct fiscal support to a government 
• core funding or recurrent costs of an organization 
• revolving funds, (that is, funds used to advance loans to individuals, such as microfinance) 
• expenses incurred prior to the signing of the CA, or after it expires