Grants for cooperation and development projects in accordance with the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

The grant application period for projects in 2026 has ended. The processing time for applications is up to 180 days.

Aims of the grant

The aim of the grant is to promote the implementation of the UNESCO Convention, increase awareness of it and provide communities with opportunities for participation and to transmit their heritage. Grants can be applied for to support cooperation and development projects that contribute to the implementation of the Convention.

The Finnish Heritage Agency particularly prioritises projects that support the principles of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Convention emphasises the importance of community-based action, the safeguarding and transmission of heritage and the diversity of heritage.

The 2025 grants focus on cultural diversity. Grants can be applied for to support the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage as part of activities that promote cultural diversity among various heritage communities and/or the self-directed work of cultural minorities on intangible heritage. The aim of the grant is to promote intercultural dialogue, the participation of cultural minorities in the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage and the implementation of cultural rights.

Who can receive funding

Grants may be applied for by associations, municipalities, foundations, limited liability companies and other legal entities. Grants are not awarded in the form of scholarships to individuals.

How to apply

Grants can be applied for through the central government’s joint service, Applyforgrants.fi. The call for applications, along with detailed guidelines and terms, will be published in the service before the application period begins.

To access the service, log in using your Suomi.fi credentials provided by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. If you are unable to submit your application digitally, please contact the designated contact persons well in advance.

More information

For specific questions regarding applying for the grant, please contact: museoavustus(at)museovirasto.fi

For information on specific questions on this grant: Senior Adviser Leena Marsio, tel. +358 (0)295 33 6017, firstname.lastname@museovirasto.fi

The Finnish Heritage Agency organised an online information session about the grant application process on 10 September 2025. A recording of the session is available via this link, with subtitles provided in several languages.