Applications for sports grants accepted from January onwards – come to the information sessions

At its meeting on 30 October 2025, the Sports Sub-committee of the Culture and Leisure Committee decided on the types of grants to be awarded in 2026, as well as their award criteria and application periods. In the Culture and Leisure Division's 2026 performance budget, just over €9 million has been allocated to sports grants. In addition to this, the Sports Sub-committee will provide €700,000 from the state inheritance allocated for use by the Culture and Leisure Division to promote physical activity among older people. As a result, the total amount of grants awarded to sports clubs and other associations promoting sport and physical activity will exceed €10 million for the first time.

Responsibility survey as part of the application process for operating grants, sports facility usage grants and grants for other associations promoting sport and physical activity

This year, as part of the application process for operating grants, sports facility usage grants and grants for other associations promoting sport and physical activity, Sports Services will carry out a responsibility survey. Completing the survey is required in order to be eligible for the aforementioned grants.

The survey will assess the current level of responsibility and accessibility of clubs and associations. The aim is to collect information on the responsibility and accessibility measures implemented by grant applicants, as well as on their needs and wishes for support. Based on the responses, Sports Services will draft support measures to promote responsibility and accessibility.

Information sessions on the grant application process

Sports Services will organise information sessions open to all on the 2026 grant application process. At these sessions, Sports Services will present the award criteria, application periods and application methods for the different types of grants, and answer questions from participants.

You will find links to register and participate in the events at the bottom of this article.

Information session 1 on grants for the promotion of physical activity and cultural activities for the elderly

•    Time: 22 January 2026, 17.00–19.00
•    Location: Töölö Library (Topeliuksenkatu 6), registration by 18 January 2026

Information session 2 on grants for the promotion of physical activity and cultural activities for the elderly

•    Time: 27 January 2026, 16.30–18.30
•    Location: Teams (remote event), no advance registration required

Information session on grants to support regional sports activities and promote safer club activities

•    Time: 4 February 2026, 16.30–18.30
•    Location: Teams (remote event), no advance registration required

Application periods for sports grants in 2026

You can apply for sports grants through the online application system. Please note that applications submitted late will not be processed.

•    Event grant 8 December 2025–6 December 2026
•    Start grant 1 January–6 December 2026
•    Operating and facility usage grants 9 January–15 February 2026
•    Grant for other associations promoting sport and physical activity 9 January–15 February 2026
•    Orienteering map grant 9 January–15 February 2026
•    Grant for the promotion of sport and physical activity for the elderly 9 March–2 April 2026 at 16.00
•    Grant for promoting safer club activities 9 March–5 April 2026
•    Grant to support regional sports activities 9 March–5 April 2026

You can find the links for registering and participating in the information sessions, as well as other important links, below.