General information on sports grants
The Sports Sub-committee of the Culture and Leisure Committee decides annually on the types of sports grants available for the following year, as well as their criteria and application periods. Applications are submitted and grants awarded in accordance with the current application guidelines ( Application guidelines 2026(Link leads to external service) , pdf), including the specified instructions and criteria.
In addition to the sports application guidelines, applicants must comply with the City of Helsinki’s general guidelines for grants(Link leads to external service) when applying for, using, and reporting on grants.
When applying for grants, please familiarise yourself carefully with the grant award criteria and the application guidelines.
Sports grants are applied for via the avustukset.hel.fi service. Links to the application forms can be found on the service pages for each specific type of grant.
Latest news on grants for sports
The Sports Sub-Committee decided on the grant forms, eligibility criteria and application periods for the year 2026
At its meeting on October 30 2025, the Sports Sub-Committee of the Culture and Leisure Committee decided on the grant forms, eligibility criteria and application periods for sports grants for the next year. The grant criteria are specified in detail in the Application instructions 2026(Link leads to external service) (pdf).
Applying for facility usage grant for school sports hall bookings in 2026
By decision of the Director of Culture and Leisure, the pricing of sports service’s facilities and school sports halls will be aligned under a model with uniform principles. The new pricing will take effect on 1 June 2026. In practice, the prices for school sports hall bookings will become more affordable during the autumn season of 2026, and based on these lower prices, no facility usage subsidy will be granted anymore.
Read more here(Link leads to external service) .
Communication on grants for sports
In addition to the city’s website, clubs and associations are informed about sports grants by email, in the sports partner newsletter and via the Liikuntaseurat Helsingissä Facebook group.
Grant types
Grants for sports are divided into general and targeted grants. On the sub-page for each grant type, you will find information on the eligibility criteria and how and when to apply.
An operating grant is a general grant for sports clubs. The operating grant is awarded on a discretionary basis based on calculated criteria.
A sports facility usage grant is a discretionary grant awarded for activities that take place outside the sports facilities owned by Sports Services. A facility usage grant can be awarded to sports clubs that receive an operating grant for sports in the same year.
The grant for other associations promoting physical activity is a general grant intended for sports clubs and other associations that organize sports activities. Clubs and associations that are not eligible for an operating grant can apply for the grant.
Go to page for the grant for other associations promoting physical activity.
The event grant is a grant provided to registered associations, companies and other organizations for the purpose of organizing sports events. The event must take place in Helsinki and it must involve physical activity of Helsinki residents.
The grant for promoting safer club activities is a grant for sports clubs and other associations organising sports activities in Helsinki, the aim of which is to develop sports activities to make them more responsible and safer.
Go to the page of the grant for promoting safer club activities.
The orienteering map grant is a grant awarded to sports clubs to cover the production costs of orienteering maps printed in previous year. An orienteering map grant can be awarded to sports clubs that receive an operating grant for sports in the same year.
A start grant may be awarded to a registered sports club that has been active for less than one year. The start grant is EUR 500.
The grant is a discretionary targeted grant meant for sport and physical activity that support the wellbeing and functional capacity of the elderly in Helsinki. Associations and foundations can apply for the grant.
Go to the page for the grant for the promotion of sport and physical activity for the elderly.
Grant to support regional sports activities is a discretionary grant for low-threshold sports activities and development work for children and young people aged 9-18 in Helsinki. The grant can be awarded for activities in suburban regeneration areas or in specifically designated areas based on need. Registered sports clubs and other associations that promote sports in Helsinki can apply for the grant.
Go to the page for grant to support regional sports activities.
Guidance and support
Is anything unclear? You may find the answer to your question on the guidance and support page. The page contains information on matters such as the e-services and logging into the services.
Go to the page on guidance and support for sports grants(Link leads to external service) .
Contact details
For personalised guidance on sports grants, contact a sports services coordinator.
Find contact details for the pertinent sports services personnel here.