Submit Applications for Spearhead Grant Programme (Finland)

The projects require fresh or exceptional points of view, content, quality, or design – or that they are otherwise deemed as special or particularly necessary projects.

The grant will support scientific or artistic work taking place in or focused on the region, and various cultural projects. The activities, for example, may take place in the area of more than one municipality or may bring together a wide group of agents in one project. Regional impact is considered an advantage but is not necessary. The project may also be multi-annual.

Funding Information

• Innovative projects or projects striving for significant impact will be awarded at least 40,000 euros in the form of one or more grants of no less than 20,000 euros.
• North Karelia Regional Fund: will award as a regional spearhead project, a 40,000-euro grant for an art project awarded either as one or two grants. Multidisciplinary working groups are also eligible for this Spearhead Project Grant.
• The North Ostrobothnia Regional Fund: awards as a regional spearhead project, 80,000 euros for a science project that increases versatility and effectiveness. This Spearhead grant can be awarded for one or more years.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible applicants include all Finnish nationals, and people and organisations residing or operating in Finland. Others are eligible as well, provided their application demonstrates clear, strong ties to Finland or Finnish culture. The applications of those under 15 years of age must be filled in by their legal guardians under the applicant’s name.
• A private individual for their personal work, for expenditure, or for both purposes. An individual applicant may submit only one application in a single application round. They can, however, be a member of a working group (not the person responsible) in a different project than the one targeted by their personal application.
• A working group comprised of several people for the work of the group members, for project expenditure, or for both purposes. The applicant is designated as the person responsible for the group and is liable for the possible grant to be awarded to the Cultural Foundation and, if need be, to the Farmers’ Social Insurance Institution MELA, to the Finnish Tax Administration, and to other members of the group.
• A registered organisation (such as an association or cooperative) for project expenditure, including labour expenses.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Grants are not awarded for core activities of organisations that are essentially publicly financed (for example, a university or a city theatre receiving Government Transfers).

For more information, visit Finnish Cultural Foundation.