Development cooperation funding for projects of Finnish civil society organisations

Finnish civil society organisations (CSOs) and their partners promote the objectives of Finland’s development cooperation with the help of funding granted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Ministry has awarded approximately EUR 19.4 million in government grants for Finnish CSOs’ development cooperation projects in 2025–2028.

The government grants for projects are awarded from the development cooperation appropriations for Finnish CSOs’ development cooperation. The Foreign Ministry has awarded funding for 22 Finnish CSOs and their 38 projects. Most of these projects are carried out in least developed countries and fragile states especially in Africa. Finnish CSOs and their partners are strengthening  competence and civic space in developing countries.

“Significant austerity measures are imposed on development cooperation during this government term. Despite these cuts, we can still support the work and grassroots activities that are based on the special expertise of Finnish CSOs. Promoting the position of women and girls is among the objectives of the projects that will be supported,” says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.

There is a strong locally-led approach in the selected projects, which are based on the common objectives of Finnish CSOs and their partners. The projects collaborate with various stakeholders, such as local authorities, educational institutions and companies. They improve children’s opportunities for learning, promote vocational education and training for young people, strengthen entrepreneurship among women and improve local food security.

“The selected projects will also strengthen the economic activity of local communities. For example, they will establish new business partnerships to create traineeships for marginalised young people and create better opportunities for women to become micro-entrepreneurs,” Minister Tavio says.

Government grants awarded for projects in 2024, funding for 2025–2028 (PDF)