Deadline: 06-Feb-2026
The Finnish Cultural Foundation Expenditure Grants provide targeted financial support for project-related costs in arts, culture, research, and education. These grants fund clearly defined activities and exceptional expenses that are essential for carrying out approved projects, with a strong emphasis on transparent budgeting and direct project relevance.
Overview of Expenditure Grants
The Finnish Cultural Foundation’s Expenditure Grants are designed to cover costs directly linked to specific activities and projects. These grants do not fund general living expenses but instead support clearly justified, activity-based costs that are essential for project implementation. The funding mechanism ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to strengthen high-quality cultural, artistic, and academic work in Finland.
What Do Expenditure Grants Fund?
Expenditure grants support a wide range of project-specific and exceptional costs that are necessary to complete approved activities.
Eligible Expenses
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Archaeological excavations and fieldwork costs
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Theatre productions and performance-related expenses
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Music master classes and specialized training activities
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Individual acquisition of tools or equipment required for a project
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Exceptional travel costs directly linked to project implementation
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Extraordinary dissertation-related costs for university and polytechnic students, such as fieldwork or material expenses near the end of degree studies
Expenses Not Funded
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Conference, meeting, or lecture trips as standalone activities
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Core operational costs of publicly funded institutions
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General or ongoing organizational activities without a defined project scope
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s legal status and the nature of the project.
Eligible Applicants
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Private individuals applying for personal work, project-related expenditure, or both
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Working groups consisting of multiple individuals with a clearly designated responsible applicant
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Registered organisations such as associations or cooperatives applying for project expenditure, including labor costs
Special Eligibility Conditions
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An individual may submit only one application per application round
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Individuals may participate as members of a working group in a separate project
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Members of a working group cannot apply separately for personal grants for the same project
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Artistic working groups may include the project producer as part of the application
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Unregistered organisations must apply as a working group
Ineligible Applicants
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Organisations whose core activities are primarily publicly funded, such as universities or city theatres receiving regular government funding
Grant Structure and Responsibility
For working group applications, one person must be named as the responsible applicant. This individual is legally accountable for the use of funds and reporting obligations to the Finnish Cultural Foundation and relevant authorities. Registered organisations applying for project grants assume institutional responsibility for grant management and compliance.
How to Apply for an Expenditure Grant
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Define a clear project with specific, measurable activities
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Identify all eligible expenses directly linked to the project
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Prepare a detailed and realistic budget outlining each cost item
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Submit one complete application per applicant per application round
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Ensure all eligibility rules and project limitations are respected
Budget Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
A detailed and comprehensive budget is mandatory for all expenditure grant applications. Budgets must clearly demonstrate how each cost supports the project’s objectives.
Budget Evaluation Focus
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Direct relevance of costs to the project
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Cost-efficiency and realism
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Justification for exceptional or extraordinary expenses
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Alignment with the Foundation’s funding priorities
Why These Grants Matter
Expenditure Grants enable creators, researchers, and organisations to carry out projects that would otherwise be financially unfeasible. By covering essential and exceptional costs, the grants support innovation, high-quality outputs, and the completion of impactful cultural and academic initiatives across Finland.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting vague or incomplete budgets
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Including ineligible or general operating expenses
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Applying for multiple personal grants in the same application round
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Failing to clearly link expenses to concrete project activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main purpose of the Expenditure Grant?
To fund costs directly related to specific projects and activities, not general living or operational expenses.
2. Can individuals apply for both personal and project expenses?
Yes, individuals may apply for personal work, project expenditure, or both in a single application.
3. Can a working group apply for funding?
Yes, working groups may apply, provided one responsible applicant is designated.
4. Are registered organisations eligible?
Yes, associations and cooperatives may apply for project expenditure, including labor costs.
5. Are travel costs covered?
Only exceptional travel costs directly related to the project may be funded.
6. Can publicly funded institutions apply?
No, organisations whose core activities are primarily publicly financed are not eligible.
7. Is a detailed budget required?
Yes, a clear and comprehensive budget is essential and heavily weighted in evaluation.
Conclusion
The Finnish Cultural Foundation Expenditure Grants offer structured, project-focused funding that supports essential and exceptional costs across arts, culture, and research. With clear eligibility rules, strict budgeting requirements, and a focus on direct project impact, these grants play a vital role in enabling high-quality work to be successfully completed.
For more information, visit Finnish Cultural Foundation.
