Helsinki supports associations in the sports grant reform – training and information sessions throughout the autumn

One of the key changes brought about by the reform is that greater consideration will be given to responsibility and accessibility when awarding grants. The new general grant for sport has more concrete minimum criteria regarding responsibility and accessibility, which must be met in order to receive the grant. In addition, applicants may be eligible for a responsibility and accessibility bonus by meeting optional criteria that are subject to scoring. To support applicants, we will be organising training sessions during the autumn on the minimum criteria for the general grant.

Training sessions on the responsibility and accessibility criteria

This autumn, we are offering three training sessions on the responsibility and accessibility of associations for sports grant applicants. The aim of the training sessions is to support clubs and associations in making their operations more responsible and provide practical tools for meeting the responsibility and accessibility criteria of the new general grant.

The training sessions will be held by experts from the Sports Federation of Southern Finland (ESLU), and participation is free of charge. Please register separately for each training session.

You can find the registration links at the end of this news post. You can also find more detailed descriptions of the training sessions behind the links.

Part 1: Minimum criteria for responsibility and accessibility as part of good governance 
Wed 23 September at 17.00–19.00, Teams

This training session examines the minimum criteria for responsibility and accessibility of the general grant, as well as the legislation governing the activities of associations.

The training session will be recorded and the recording will be made available to view after the event.

Part 2: Good governance and finances of associations
Wed 21 October at 17.00–19.30, Teams

This training session explores the good governance of associations, including from the perspectives of decision-making and membership, and covers the basic principles of financial management.

The training session will be recorded and the recording will be made available to view after the event.

Part 3: A sports club as an employer
Tue 3 November at 17.00–19.30, Pasila Library, Kellosilta 9, 00520 Helsinki. Auditorium, 2nd floor

Good employment practices are part of an association’s responsible and good governance. This training session provides associations with a practical overview of the basics of acting as an employer.

Information sessions on the grant reform

In addition to the training sessions, the City is organising two more information sessions on the sports grant reform. The first information session was held back in June, and a recording of it is available on the City of Helsinki’s Grants website.

The upcoming information sessions will provide a practical overview of how sports grants will change in 2027. The sessions will also provide participants with an opportunity to ask questions about the reform and how to apply for grants.

The next information session will be held in the auditorium of Pasila Library on Wednesday 16 September at 17.00–18.30. Register your participation in the grant information session via the link at the end of this post.

The third information session will be held online (via Teams) on Thursday 8 October at 17.00–18.30. A recording of the event will also be made available. No registration is required to participate, and the Teams link can be found at the end of this post and on the grants for sports webpage.

The reform, which will come into force in 2027, will bring about exceptionally significant changes to sports grants, so it is well worth familiarising yourself with the new instructions and attending the information sessions. The presentation materials of the information sessions will be published on the grants for sports webpage, and information about the reform will also be provided in the sport partner newsletter. Applications for the new general grant can be submitted for the first time in January–February 2027.