Kainuu - Finnish Cultural Foundation

Kainuu

The Kainuu Regional Fund was founded in 1954, when it formed part of the North Finland Regional Fund, together with the Lapland Regional Fund and the North Ostrobothnia Regional Fund. It became a separate fund in 1968 and is one of the Finnish Cultural Foundation’s 17 regional funds today.

What is the Kainuu Regional Fund?

The Kainuu Regional Fund comprises a General Fund and donation- and bequest-based donor funds. Grants made from the latter are directed towards areas specified by the donor when making his or her bequest. Areas not covered by this procedure are supported from the general funds.

The Fund’s activities and decision-making are impartial and not linked to political parties or other organisations or associations. The Administrative Council comprising 9 members represents a wide range of expertise and knowledge in the arts, the sciences, society, and business in the region.

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?

Priority is given to scientific and artistic work carried out in or relating to the region, as well as to regionally significant cultural and development projects. The Kainuu Regional Fund encourages bold, forward-looking initiatives that enhance the vitality of the region and promote renewal, while strengthening links between culture and the business community.

Grants are distributed from both the general fund and donor funds.

All the donor fund of the Kainuu Fund (in Finnish)

The municipalities in the Kainuu Fund's region

Hyrynsalmi, Kajaani, Kuhmo, Paltamo, Puolanka, Ristijärvi, Sotkamo and Suomussalmi.

The municipalities in the Kainuu Fund's region

Hyrynsalmi, Kajaani, Kuhmo, Paltamo, Puolanka, Ristijärvi, Sotkamo and Suomussalmi.

The administrative committee

Members of the Kainuu Fund’s Administrative Committee in autumn 2025. Photo: Minna Hyvönen

Chair

Joni Kinnunen, Master of Culture and Arts

Vice Chair

Anu Varis, CEO

Sanna Diukman, Artist
Ramona Grönstrand, Project Manager
Tapani Komulainen, Supervisor of degree Studies
Anni Mikkelsson, Theatre Director
Kirsi Määttä, Dr. of Medicine
Mari Möttönen, CEO
Mika Virkkala, Regional Director