🟢 1. Project Definition & Scope

• ✅ Define pilot project (e.g. 4 hospitals, backup solar + battery systems, Santiago de Cuba)

• ✅ Clarify what this seed phase pays for (technical study, partnership development, training plan)

• ✅ Draft basic Theory of Change (Blackouts → Renewable backup → Lives saved)

Dependencies: You can’t write a single sentence until this is clear
Parallel task: Begin Googling Cuban energy stats so you sound like an adult
Owner: You (presumably. Unless your cat is your project manager.)

🟠 2. Identify & Engage Local Partners

• ✅ Reach out to:

  • Cuban health authorities (local clinics or ministries)

  • Local NGO or academic org (someone real who will answer a phone)

• ✅ Secure a Letter of Interest or Intent (“We’re open to this crazy idea”)

Dependencies: Critical for credibility
Warning: No partner = no money. CFLI doesn’t fund solo vigilante NGOs.
Owner: You, with social skills turned up to 11

🟡 3. Build Proposal Package Draft

• ✅ 1-page concept note (summary)

• ✅ Draft proposal (objectives, activities, impact, risks)

• ✅ Draft budget (CAD, realistic, no “mysterious consulting fees”)

• ✅ Inclusion & gender section (make it real or don’t bother)

Dependencies: Local partner input, scope definition
Owner: You and maybe one poor friend with grammar skills
Parallel task: Start stalking previous CFLI grantees online

🟣 4. Contact Canadian Embassy in Havana

• ✅ Email the CFLI Cuba contact (from the website)

• ✅ Introduce your org + intent to apply

• ✅ Ask about timing, alignment, and if they hate your idea yet

Dependencies: None, do this early
Pro move: Ask for previous examples or templates (they’ll pretend they don’t have them)

🔵 5. Polish & Finalize Submission (Week 5)

• ✅ Refine all content

• ✅ Triple-check budget

• ✅ Make your attachments PDF and named like a real professional (not “doc1_realdraft_FINALv2”)

Owner: Still you
Dependencies: Needs feedback from partners + maybe someone who speaks grantese

🔴 6. Submission to CFLI

• ✅ Submit online or via email as required

• ✅ Confirm receipt like a paranoid raccoon

• ✅ Prepare to wait for weeks in hopeful silence

⚫️ 7. Post-Submission Hustle

• ✅ Begin compiling list of additional funders (EU, IDRC, GIZ)

• ✅ Prepare version 2 of pitch for other seed funding

• ✅ Start building a “Phase 2” case in case they fund you and now you have to do things

🧾 TL;DR CHECKLIST:

✅Start & Finish Scope
✅Secure Local Partners
✅Draft Proposal
✅Contact Embassy
🔁Finalize Submission
✅Submit to CFLI
✅Prep Post-Submission
✴️Party!