Helsinki to Invest €2 Million in Seniors' Physical Activity and Access to Art and Culture

The grants for promoting older people's physical activity and cultural activities support the wellbeing and functional capacity of older Helsinki residents. On Tuesday, 2 December 2025, the Sports Sub-committee and the Culture and Libraries Sub-committee of the City of Helsinki's Culture and Leisure Committee decided on the criteria for awarding grants for the coming year.

In 2026, grants can be awarded for a period of 1–3 years. The main priorities for the grants will remain largely unchanged, but projects will from now on be evaluated in different categories: applicants seeking a larger amount or a multi-year grant will be required e.g. to commit to a higher self-financing share, a broader assessment of the project's overall impact and other collaboration with the City. The tiered granting criteria make it possible to clarify the differences between small-scale project activities and long-term development work. In addition, the awarding of grants will prioritise sports and cultural activities organised based on identified needs in selected areas. The focal points for the 2026 grant application round include projects carried out in the Malmi and Vuosaari districts.

The application period for grants promoting physical activity and cultural participation amongst older people is 9 March – 2 April 2026 until 16:00.

Two separate grant information sessions will be held in spring 2026 to support applicants. The first session will be held on Thursday, 22 January 2026, from 17:00 to 19:00 at Töölö Library. The second one will take place remotely via Teams on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, from 16:30 to 18:30. A link to the remote session will be added to the grant category webpage closer to the event.

Selection criteria for the 2026 Helsinki Athlete, Young Helsinki Athlete, Coach and Sports Club

The Sports Sub-committee decided that, going forward, the coaching activities of the coach to be awarded in 2026 must comply with the ethical principles of the sports community. The coach must also support safe club activities. According to the recent decision, the club awarded in 2026 must have implemented concrete measures to ensure a safer operating environment.  In addition, the sports club's activities must be child-centred and support the inclusion of children and young people. The Sub-committee also decided on the possibility of awarding an honorary mention, on a discretionary basis, to an athlete or coach with an extensive career.

The prize amounts range from €2,500 to €10,000, depending on the award, and the evaluation period is 15 April 2025 – 4 June 2026.