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Addressing inequities and challenging discrimination through legal action can come with a significant financial burden. To help reduce this financial barrier to accessing justice, CNIB offers litigation grants to eligible individuals wishing to challenge inequities and discrimination.
Grant objectives, considerations, eligible expenses and maximum amounts
Members of CNIB staff and our dedicated Legal Support Committee – consisting of volunteer legal professionals and community advocates – review applications quarterly.
When reviewing applications, we reflect on grant considerations and ensure that matters meet the objectives set out below:
- Align with CNIB’s Strategic Plan, The Way Forward;
- Address inequities or human rights violations experienced by CNIB participants and other people in Canada who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision;
- Impact issues that go beyond the applicant’s personal interests and help advance the rights of people in Canada who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision; and
- Would be unlikely to proceed without CNIB's support.
Expenses eligible for reimbursement through our litigation grants include:
- Legal Fees: Services provided by a legal professional
- External Fees: Services provided by third parties, such as expert witnesses
- Disbursements: Additional items or services related to litigation, such as filing fees
- Administrative Fees: Expenses related to travel and accommodation for in-person hearings, witness expenses, etc.
Other expenses related to litigation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The maximum grant available to any individual applicant is $20,000.
Grant decisions are based on CNIB priorities and available funds. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee a grant, and approved amounts may be less than the maximum.
All grant decisions are final with no opportunity for appeal; however, this will not impact your ability to apply for future grants.
Grant decisions are communicated by CNIB staff to applicants and are always allocated in accordance with the grant agreements.
We are here to help
For any questions relating to grant considerations, the application process, or if you have difficulties with the form and/or require an alternative format, please call us toll-free at 1-800-563-2642. If you prefer written communication or would like to request a call back, please fill out CNIB’s Contact Form.
While CNIB does not provide legal advice or legal representation, we can help ensure you get connected to a community legal service or other legal support organization. Please consult our Legal Referral Services webpage for more information.
Please see below for application deadlines and Committee meeting timelines, starting in 2026:
- Applications submitted by October 1, 2026 will be reviewed at the November 2026 Committee meeting.
- Applications submitted by January 1, 2027 will be reviewed at the February 2027 Committee meeting.
- Applications submitted by April 1, 2027 will be reviewed at the May 2027 Committee meeting.
- Applications submitted by July 1, 2027 will be reviewed at the August 2027 Committee meeting.
- Applications submitted by October 1, 2027 will be reviewed at the November 2027 Committee meeting.