South Ostrobothnia - Finnish Cultural Foundation

What is the South Ostrobothnia Regional Fund?

The Fund is devoted to promoting and developing the arts, the sciences, and other fields of endeavour in the historic province of South Ostrobothnia – by providing grants and awards, and organising other activities.

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 South Ostrobothnia Fund comprises a General Fund and donor funds based on private and public donations and bequests. Grants made from the latter are directed towards areas specified by the donor at the time of their bequest. Areas not covered by this procedure are supported from the general funds.

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?

When deciding on grants, priority is given to scientific and artistic work carried out in or covering the region, culturally significant and even bold cultural projects, and applicants who live in or were born in the province. Grants are awarded to individuals, working groups, and registered organisations for the promotion of science and art in South Ostrobothnia and Ostrobothnia.

The Fund pays special attention to projects that promote the access to and equality of children and youth culture, and to requirements for working professionally by granting both working and expenditure grants. We also put emphasis on working as a professional in science and the arts.

Grants from the general fund are awarded for artistic work and for postgraduate studies and research in all fields. Grants from donor funds are awarded for purposes specified by the donor.

All the donor funds of the South Ostrobothnia Regional Fund (in Finnish)

The municipalities in the South Ostrobothnia Fund's region

Alajärvi, Alavus, Evijärvi, Ilmajoki, Isojoki, Isokyrö, Karijoki, Kaskinen, Kauhajoki, Kauhava, Korsnäs, Kristiinankaupunki, Kuortane, Kurikka, Laihia, Lappajärvi, Lapua, Maalahti, Mustasaari, Närpiö, Seinäjoki, Soini, Teuva, Vaasa, Vimpeli, Vöyri and Ähtäri.

The municipalities in the South Ostrobothnia Fund's region

The administrative committee

Members of the South Ostrobothnia Fund’s Administrative Committee in autumn 2024. Photo: Krista Luoma

Chair

Sannasirkku Autio, Director of Vaasa City Institutes, principal

Vice Chair

Annukka Jokipii, Professor

Ari Haasio, PhD, Principal lecturer
Nina Harjunpää, Senior Planning Officer
Heikki Kaukoranta, Chief Administrative Medical Officier
Antti Niskanen, Association Director
Sami Rumpunen, Chief Operating Officer
Panu Sivonen, Master of Music
Heikki Vierula, Director of educational and cultural services
Miikka Voipio, Unit director