Call for Proposals: Major Cultural Projects (Finland)

Deadline: 31-Jan-2026

The Alfred Kordelin Foundation invites applications for Major Cultural Projects 2026 to support ambitious, innovative initiatives with social, scientific, cultural, or artistic significance. Grants range from €100,000 to €300,000 over two years, supporting collectives and registered associations in Finland, with bridge funding available for ongoing projects. Projects must generate lasting impact, innovative models, and integrated knowledge beyond the funding period.

Overview of the Program

The Major Cultural Projects program aims to:

• Promote a diverse, skilled, and international Finland

• Support breakthrough-oriented, socially and culturally significant projects

• Encourage innovative approaches and new perspectives in science, arts, and public education

• Ensure knowledge, methods, and networks developed are sustained beyond the funding period

Funding Details

• Grant amount: €100,000 – €300,000 over two years

• Bridge funding: €50,000 – €150,000 for already implemented projects demonstrating ongoing impact

• Coverage:

  • Working grants for individuals involved in the project

  • Expense grants for project costs (aligned with Finnish Tax Administration guidelines)

• Employer obligations: Grant recipients responsible for all salary-related employer obligations

• General expenses limit: Maximum 5% of total project costs for registered collectives

Eligible Applicants

• Organizations: Collectives, registered associations, universities, or entities holding a Finnish Business ID

• Working groups: May apply through an eligible organization

• Individuals: Cannot apply independently

Project Requirements

• Projects must be broad and integrated, not individual work

• Expected to continue beyond the funding period

• Knowledge, results, methods, and networks should remain in use or integrate into existing structures

• Applications evaluated in three pools: science, arts, and public education

Application Process

1. Select the evaluation pool (science, arts, or public education)

2. Submit applications through the online grant service

3. Attach mandatory documents as separate PDFs:

   • CVs of key project participants

   • Detailed project plan

   • Confirmation of interest from a project partner

   • Project budget

   • Organizational financial documents

4. Deadline: 31 January 2026, 4 pm Finnish time

5. Evaluation includes:

   • Expert review and joint pool review

   • Shortlisting of 6–9 projects for interviews

   • Expert recommendations to the Foundation board

   • Final grant decisions communicated in early April 2026

Monitoring and Reporting

• Interim report: Required after the first year

• Final report: Due within one month of project completion

• Monitoring ensures project goals, impact, and sustainability are achieved

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

• Generate lasting cultural, scientific, or social impact

• Develop innovative models and methods

• Strengthen networks and expertise that continue beyond funding

• Support professional development for participating collectives and organizations

Why This Program Matters

• Encourages breakthrough and unconventional approaches to societal challenges

• Promotes lasting knowledge, methods, and networks in Finland

• Supports broad, integrated projects rather than individual initiatives

• Provides bridge funding to extend the impact of ongoing projects

Conclusion

The Major Cultural Projects 2026 program by the Alfred Kordelin Foundation provides substantial support to ambitious, innovative Finnish initiatives in science, arts, and public education. By funding integrated projects with long-term impact, offering professional development, and supporting ongoing activities through bridge funding, the Foundation ensures sustainable innovation and cultural advancement across Finland.

For more information, visit Alfred Kordelin Foundation.