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Court Challenges Program (CCP)
Supports test cases advancing rights in Canada
Funding available
$ 200,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
A person or group whose official language rights may have been violated
See full eligibility
Overview
The Court Challenges Program provides $5 million in annual funding to individuals, groups, and non-profit organizations in Canada for test cases of national importance. It supports legal research, drafting, and evidence development to clarify constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Law and Legal Services
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
Target groups
- General public
- Nonprofits / charities
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Test case development
- Litigation
- Legal intervention
Documents Needed
- The application form that corresponds to the category of funding for which you are applying
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Updated funding forms and guidance
Updated 2026 additional and extraordinary funding forms are now linked for both CCP branches, and the timelines and obligations page points to updated funding guidelines and a travel-expense directive.
The Forms for Current Funding Recipients page now links to 2026 PDF and Word application forms for additional and extraordinary funding for both the Human Rights Branch and the Official Language Rights Branch. The Timelines and obligations page now links to updated branch funding guidelines and an October 2026 Directive on Travel Expenses.
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- A person or group whose official language rights may have been violated
- A non-profit organization representing a person or group whose official language rights may have been violated
- A person or group whose Charter-protected human rights may have been violated
- A non-profit organization representing a person or group whose Charter-protected human rights may have been violated
Who is not eligible
- A for-profit organization
Eligible expenses
- Legal research and drafting; community consultation; evidence development
- Legal fees and disbursements; evidence preparation; court costs
- Interpretation and production of documents in alternative media
- Travel costs for an attendant; childcare costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Public education, community development, promotional activities, lobbying, or political advocacy
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- The Expert Panels assess the merits of each case.
- Only cases that can further the Program’s objective of clarifying rights are approved.
How to apply
- Read the Funding Guidelines carefully.
- Use the application form that corresponds to the category of funding for which you are applying.
- Answer all of the questions on the application form to the best of your ability and in as much detail as possible, including the budget.
- Send the completed form to ApplicationsPCJ.CCP@uottawa.ca; if you do not have access to email, submit it by mail to 1 Nicholas Street, Suite 1507, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7B7.
- Complete applications received by the deadlines indicated below will be reviewed by the Expert Panel at its next meeting.
- If you would like some feedback on your application, submit your application at least 14 days before the deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- The Expert Panel carefully considers the funding application and makes a decision.
- CCP staff communicate the decision to grant funding in writing within 15 business days after the meeting.
- Funding recipients review and return the signed Funding Agreement within 15 business days of receiving the decision letter.
- All funding recipients submit requests for disbursement of funds periodically throughout the course of the funded matter using the CCP Invoice Form.
- Upon completion of the funded matter, all funding recipients submit a Final Report and a Final Financial Report including final invoices, and return any unspent funds to the CCP.
Additional information
- The Court Challenges Program is composed of two branches: the Official Language Rights Branch and the Human Rights Branch.
- Funding decisions are made by two independent Expert Panels, one for each branch of the Program.
- The CCP is administered by the University of Ottawa pursuant to a Contribution Agreement with the federal government’s Department of Canadian Heritage.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Court Challenges Program (CCP) Program
What is the Court Challenges Program (CCP)?
The Court Challenges Program provides $5 million in annual funding to individuals, groups, and non-profit organizations in Canada for test cases of national importance. It supports legal research, drafting, and evidence development to clarify constitutional and quasi-constitutional official language rights and human rights.
How much funding can be received?
Court Challenges Program (CCP) Funds up to $200,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Court Challenges Program (CCP) program?
To be eligible for the Court Challenges Program (CCP) program, you must:
A person or group whose official language rights or Charter-protected human rights may have been violated
A non-profit organization representing such a person or group
The case must be a test case of national importance and require financial support from the CCP
What expenses are eligible under Court Challenges Program (CCP)?
Legal research and drafting; community consultation; evidence development
Legal fees and disbursements; evidence preparation; court costs
Interpretation and production of documents in alternative media
Travel costs for an attendant; childcare costs
Who can I contact for more information about the Court Challenges Program (CCP)?
You can contact University of Ottawa by email at ApplicationsPCJ.CCP@uottawa.ca or by phone at (613) 562-5702.
Where is the Court Challenges Program (CCP) available?
The Court Challenges Program (CCP) program is available across Canada.