Grants are awarded for activities that support the objectives of the current City Strategy and welfare and health promotion plan, as well as for activities linked to accident prevention, rescue operations or civil protection
Application period 2.5.-2.6.2025
Grants for welfare and health promotion, social welfare and health care and rescue services
The Helsinki City Board and the Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Department Council award grants to organisations, associations and foundations operating in Helsinki whose activities support the implementation of the objectives of the current City Strategy and the statutory welfare and health promotion plan approved by the City Council. Grants for rescue operations are allocated to organisations whose activities are linked to the prevention of accidents, rescue operations or the promotion of civil protection in the city of Helsinki.
How the process works
General grants can be applied for by registered organizations that have been in operation for at least a year and whose activities target Helsinki residents. The grant may only be used for the purpose for which it was granted, and may not be distributed further.
How to apply
- Log into the city's e-services at avustukset.hel.fi/en.
- Confirm your identity with a form of strong identification (online banking codes, Mobile ID, or a certificate card).
- Fill in the online application form for the City Board general grant.
- Submit the completed application or save it as a draft. Note that attachments will not be saved along with the draft application.
- You can track the processing of your application in the 'Latest events' section of the e-services folder.
When to apply
- The application period for City Board grants each year is in May. Grant decisions are made towards the end of the year, after the budget has been approved.
- The application is valid until a decision has been made. Applications are archived in the e-services folder for four years.
Application processing
- The City Board, the Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Department Council or the office holder will make a decision on the grant.
- You will receive notice of the decision to your email.
- The City of Helsinki pays the grant to the selected applicant organisation's bank account.
- Selected applicants must draw up a report explaining how the grant was used and send it to the city. The grant can only be used for the purpose stated in the application.
- Inform the city immediately via email (kanslia.avustukset[at]hel.fi) if any significant changes arise that affect the grant or its use.
Validity period
The application is valid until a decision has been made. A new application submitted for the same purpose will replace any older versions in the system, if you submit it before the deadline.
Additional information
Apply for City of Helsinki grants through the city's e-services. If this is not possible, you can also mail the application to the City Register Office at the following address: City of Helsinki Register Office, P.O. Box 10, 00099 CITY OF HELSINKI
Tarja Eklöf, erityissuunnittelija
050 3432364
tarja.eklof@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program)
Veera Vilkama, kehittämispäällikkö
040 4822184
veera.vilkama@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program)
Veli-Matti Hurtig, kehittämispäällikkö
040 5749710
veli-matti.hurtig@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program)
Links
Use the online service
Grants for welfare and health promotion, social welfare and health care and rescue services
1. The general principle is that the activities eligible for a grant must support the objectives of the current City Strategy and the statutory welfare and health promotion plan approved by the City Council.
2. The grants support activities that promote the well-being and health of Helsinki residents, and help to reduce inequalities in well-being.
3. The grants are awarded on the basis of the non-profit nature of the organisations, the effectiveness of their activities and their self-sufficiency.
4. A grant recipient must have its own fund-raising or other operating resources (e.g. volunteering) so that the activity is not entirely dependent on the support of a single external donor.
5. As a rule, the grant is allocated to direct assistance and support activities, so indirect organisational work, such as cooperation with other organisations and the promotion of the organisation, will not be given priority, nor will the administrative and hospitality costs of the organisation (e.g. meeting costs, catering, etc.), office supplies, furniture, IT, Internet, AV equipment, telephone, postal services, travel or subsistence allowances, staff training, commissioning or producing publications, renovation and refurbishment, general property management costs), and entertainment-related costs, which the organisation or participants can be deemed to be able to bear themselves (e.g. lecture fees, parties and outings).
6. Grants are not awarded for one-off activities. The activities must be long-term and continuous.
7. Grants are not awarded for religious or political activities, nor for activities for which the applicant receives other financial assistance from the city of Helsinki.
8. Grants for rescue operations are allocated to organisations whose activities are linked to the prevention of accidents, rescue operations or the promotion of civil protection in the city of Helsinki.