Central Ostrobothnia - Finnish Cultural Foundation

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 Fund’s activities and decision-making are impartial and not linked to political parties or other organisations or associations. The Administrative Council reflects a wide range of expertise and knowledge in the arts, the sciences, society, and business in the region.

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.

Grants

Finnish citizens, as well as private individuals and organisations residing or operating in Finland are eligible to apply for a grant yearly in the Finnish Cultural Foundation’s application period. You may also apply if your application has a clear, strong connection to Finland or Finnish culture.

Finnish Cultural Foundation’s applications Oct 15 to 30

Grants

Finnish Cultural Foundation’s applications Oct 15 to 30

What kinds of grants do we award and to whom?

The Central Osthrobothnia Fund provides grants for scientific and artistic work. Grants can be applied for in all fields of science and art, and they are distributed from both the general fund and donor funds.

All the donor funds of the Central Ostrobothnia Fund (in Finnish)

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

Members of the Central Ostrobothnia Fund’s Administrative Committee in 2026. Photo: Anne Yrjänä

Chair

Matti Malkamäki, CEO

Vice Chair

Kaisa Kaapo, Executive Director

Marko Forsell, Vice Principal
Mats Holmqvist, Master of Arts
Aki Koskinen, Visual Artist
Mikko Luhtasela, Master of Education and Arts
Aila-Leena Matthies, Professor
Marjukka Puutio, Music Educator
Mika Virkkala, Regional Director