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Source verified August 12, 2026
Court Challenges Program (CCP)
Supports test cases advancing rights in Canada
Latest source updateLast Update: June 29, 2026Latest change: The CCP added virtual information sessions for July 7 and July 9, 2026, with Zoom links and branch-specific application guidance.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 29, 2026
Latest change: The CCP added virtual information sessions for July 7 and July 9, 2026, with Zoom links and branch-specific application guidance.
New CCP information sessions added
The Court Challenges Program now shows virtual information sessions on July 7, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. EDT for the Human Rights Branch and on July 9, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. EDT for the Official Language Rights Branch. The updated pages also add Zoom join links and point applicants to the branch-specific applying-for-funding pages for more information about the application process. No funding amounts, eligibility rules, or application deadlines were changed, but the new session details and links materially update how applicants can prepare and get help before the next funding application deadline.
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
2
Validate your eligibility
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
Official resources
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.
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.
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)?
Test case development
Litigation
Legal intervention
Who can I contact for more information about the Court Challenges Program (CCP)?
You can contact University of Ottawa by email at infopcj.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.
Is the Court Challenges Program (CCP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Court Challenges Program (CCP) is a Grant and Funding