General information about grants for sports
The Sport Sub-committee of the City of Helsinki Culture and Leisure Committee decides each autumn on the types of grants, eligibility criteria and application periods for the following year’s grants for sports. Grants are applied for and awarded in accordance with the currently valid application guide (pdf). In addition to the application guide for grants for sports, applicants must comply with the general grant allocation guidelines of the City of Helsinki (pdf) when applying for, using and reporting on grants.
When applying for grants, please read carefully the grant awarding criteria and the application instructions.
Latest news on grants for sports
Application period for grants from the remaining appropriation for sports grants for 2023 is open between 4th of September and 24th of September
The Sports Sub-committee of the City of Helsinki Culture and Leisure Committee decided on the eligibility criteria as well as application method and period for the remaining 2023 appropriation at its meeting on 29 August 2023. The grants will be targeted at sports clubs in Helsinki whose financial situation remains challenging because of the COVID‑19 pandemic or whose operational preconditions were significantly impacted by the restrictions and changes carried out at sports facilities.
The decision of the Sports Sub-committee 29 of August 2023 19 § (in Finnish)
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 and for sports groups in pensioners and special associations. 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 and sports groups in pensioners and special associations 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 organise 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 organisations for the purpose of organising sports events. The event must take place in the City of Helsinki, and it must involve physical activity of Helsinki residents.
The targeted grant is a discretionary grant for targeted sports and exercise activities. Sports clubs and other associations organising sports activities are eligible.
The orienteering map grant is a grant awarded to sports clubs to cover the production costs of orienteering maps printed in 2022.
A start grant may be awarded to a sports club that has been active for less than one year or a sports club that has commenced its registration process. 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.
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.
Contact details
For personalised guidance on sports grants, contact a sports services coordinator.
Find contact details for the pertinent sports services personnel here.