CFAs: Finnish CSO’s Development Cooperation Programmes

Deadline: 28-Feb-2025

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs will open a call for applications for programme-based support available for Finnish civil society organisations (CSOs).

In this application round, Finnish CSOs may apply for discretionary government grants for development cooperation programmes and humanitarian assistance included in the programmes for the period 2026–2029.

Programme-based support for Finnish civil society organisations (CSOs) is awarded from the development cooperation appropriations for Finnish CSOs’ development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, and it contributes to achieving Finland’s foreign and security policy objectives. Programme-based support promotes the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and improves the prerequisites for sustainable societal development: a well-functioning democracy, the rule of law, human rights and a vibrant civil society. Finnish CSOs use the support to strengthen active and diverse civil societies in the developing countries in the long term.

Support for Humanitarian Assistance in Emergencies

From 2026 onwards, programme-based support can also be granted for humanitarian aid by Finnish CSOs that have a partnership status with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO).
Finnish humanitarian action is based on international humanitarian law, international human rights lawand refugee law, and on the UN-endorsed humanitarian principles, which are humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.
CSOs’ programmes may also support various nexus activities, which interlink the prevention of crises, development cooperation, peace process and humanitarian assistance to ensure effectiveness.
Programme-based support and the call for applications are the responsibility of the Foreign Ministry’s Unit for Civil Society.

Funding Information

The funds to be allocated in the call for 2026–2029 are estimated at a maximum of EUR 320 million (up to EUR 80 million/year).

Eligibility Criteria

For programmes to be eligible for support, they must be in line with Finland’s foreign and security policy and the Report on International Economic Relations and Development Cooperation. CSOs whose operations rely on programme-based support must possess solid knowledge of results-based management, monitoring and evaluation of the results and impacts, and risk management. The Ministry will assess the applicants and programme proposals based on the minimum requirements, qualitative criteria and an overall consideration specified in the call for applications.

For more information, visit Ministry for Foreign Affairs.