What is the Central Ostrobothnia Regional Fund?
The Fund is devoted to promoting and developing the arts, the sciences, and other fields of endeavour in Central Ostrobothnia – by providing grants and awards, and organising other activities in the region’s 21 municipalities, some of which are shared with the South Ostrobothnia Regional Fund and the North Ostrobothnia Regional Fund.
The Central Ostrobothnia Regional Fund consists of a general fund, as well as donor funds based on bequests and donations. Grants made from the latter are directed towards areas specified by the donor when they made their bequest. Areas not covered by this procedure are supported from the General Fund.
The Fund’s activities and decision-making are impartial and not linked to political parties or other organisations or associations. Grants made by the Fund are decided by an Administrative Council that reflects a wide range of expertise and knowledge in the arts, the sciences, society, and business in the region.
Central Ostrobothnia Grants
The grants of the regional fund January application round are divided into working and expenditure grants. In addition to these, grants will be awarded for special purposes.
What kinds of grants do we award and to whom?
The Central Osthrobothnia Fund provides grants for scientific and artistic work. Applicants born locally are given priority when awarding grants, as is scientific or artistic work carried out in or covering the region, together with major regional cultural projects.
The priorities of the Central Ostrobothnia Fund for the 2026 application round are:
- Strengthening diverse science and the arts
- Introducing science and the arts to children and young people
- Promoting well-being and diversity
- Cooperation across sectoral, linguistic, and cultural boundaries
Grants are distributed from both the general fund and donor funds.
Central Ostrobothnia
January Round and special purpose grants
Special purpose grants in the January round of applications are Vitality and Culture, Local culture grants and Spearhead grants.
Central Ostrobothnia
January Round and special purpose grants
Special purpose grants in the January round of applications are Vitality and Culture, Local culture grants and Spearhead grants.
The municipalities in the Central Ostrobothnia Fund's region
Halsua, Kannus, Kaustinen, Kokkola, Lestijärvi, Perho, Toholampi and Veteli.
Municipalities shared with South Ostrobothnia Regional Fund:
Kruunupyy, Luoto, Pedersöre, Pietarsaari ja Uusikaarlepyy.
Municipalities shared with North Ostrobothnia Regional Fund:
Alavieska, Haapajärvi, Kalajoki, Nivala, Pyhäjärvi, Reisjärvi, Sievi ja Ylivieska.
The municipalities in the Central Ostrobothnia Fund's region
Halsua, Kannus, Kaustinen, Kokkola, Lestijärvi, Perho, Toholampi and Veteli.
Municipalities shared with South Ostrobothnia Regional Fund:
Kruunupyy, Luoto, Pedersöre, Pietarsaari ja Uusikaarlepyy.
Municipalities shared with North Ostrobothnia Regional Fund:
Alavieska, Haapajärvi, Kalajoki, Nivala, Pyhäjärvi, Reisjärvi, Sievi ja Ylivieska.
The administrative committee
Chair
Janne Ylinen, CEO
Vice Chair
Anni Saari, Journalist
Jennie Elfving, Doctor of Science (Economics and Business Administration
Mats Holmqvist, Master of Arts
Saara Howe, Class Teacher
Aki Koskinen, Visual Artist
Taina Lehtonen, Counsellor of Education, Doctor of Philosophy (Education)
Matti Malkamäki, Chair of the Board
Aila-Leena Matthies, Professor
Justin Salminen, Doctor of Science (Technology)
Mika Virkkala, Regional Director
Contact information about Central Ostrobothnia Regional Fund
Central Ostrobothnia Regional Fund
Pitkänsillankatu 1–3
67100 Kokkola
keski-pohjanmaa@skr.fi
Central Ostrobothia Regional Fund's logos
Piia Hietanen
Coordinator
Central Ostrobothnia, North Ostrobothnia
