Deadline: 06-Feb-2026
The Finnish Cultural Foundation Working Grants support individuals, working groups, and eligible organisations undertaking scientific, artistic, or research work on a full-time or part-time basis. These grants provide living-cost support, enabling focused, high-quality work without requiring a detailed expenditure budget.
Overview of Working Grants
The Finnish Cultural Foundation Working Grants are designed to support sustained scientific, artistic, and research activity by covering ordinary personal living costs for a defined period. The grants allow recipients to dedicate time and focus to their work, whether full-time or alongside other commitments.
What Are Working Grants?
A working grant is financial support intended to replace income during a defined work period. Unlike expenditure grants, working grants do not require a detailed budget. Instead, applicants must submit a clear and credible work or research plan that outlines objectives, methods, and expected outcomes.
Key Focus Areas
Working grants support a wide range of activities and formats.
Supported Work Types
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Scientific research projects
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Artistic and creative work
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Multidisciplinary research or practice-based projects
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Short-term projects implemented by organisations
Grant Intensity Options
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Full-time work: 100% commitment
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Part-time work: 75%, 50%, or 25% commitment
These options allow applicants to balance grant-funded work with teaching, employment, or other responsibilities.
Grant Duration and Conditions
Duration
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Full-time working grants may be awarded for up to four years
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Part-time grants are awarded according to the selected workload percentage
Key Conditions
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Grants cannot be held concurrently with other similar funding
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Grants cannot be used during paid annual leave
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The grant period must match the work plan submitted
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s status and the nature of the work.
Eligible Applicants
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Private individuals applying for personal scientific, artistic, or research work
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Working groups with a designated responsible applicant
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Registered organisations applying for project expenditure, including labor costs
Special Eligibility Rules
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Individuals may submit only one personal application per application round
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Individuals may also participate as members of a working group for a different project
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Members of a working group cannot submit separate applications for the same project
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Artistic working groups may include the project producer in 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
Short-term individual projects may still qualify, and organisations receiving discretionary state or municipal subsidies are generally eligible.
How to Apply for a Working Grant
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Define the scientific, artistic, or research work to be undertaken
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Select full-time or part-time grant intensity
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Prepare a clear and realistic work or research plan
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Ensure no overlap with other similar funding or paid leave
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Submit one complete application within the application round
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
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Quality and feasibility of the work or research plan
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Applicant’s competence and previous achievements
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Relevance and potential impact of the proposed work
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Suitability of the requested grant duration and intensity
Why These Grants Matter
Working grants enable researchers and artists to focus deeply on their work without financial pressure. By supporting living costs rather than project expenses, the grants foster long-term, high-quality contributions to science, culture, and the arts in Finland.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying for multiple personal grants in the same application round
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Overlapping the grant period with paid employment leave
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Submitting an unclear or overly broad work plan
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Applying for the same project both individually and as part of a group
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does a working grant cover?
It covers ordinary personal living costs during the approved work period.
2. Is a budget required?
No, a budget is not required for working grants.
3. Can I apply for a part-time working grant?
Yes, part-time options include 75%, 50%, and 25% work commitments.
4. How long can a full-time working grant last?
Full-time grants can be awarded for up to four years.
5. Can I apply if I am part of a working group?
Yes, as long as the group project is different from your personal application.
6. Are organisations eligible?
Registered organisations may apply for project expenditure, including labor costs.
7. Can publicly funded organisations apply?
Organisations funded primarily for core activities are generally not eligible.
Conclusion
The Finnish Cultural Foundation Working Grants provide flexible, living-cost support for individuals and groups engaged in scientific, artistic, and research work. With multiple work-intensity options and a focus on high-quality work plans rather than budgets, these grants play a crucial role in advancing knowledge, creativity, and cultural development.
For more information, visit Finnish Cultural Foundation.
