The total amount of the grants awarded this year will be 3,047,000 euros. This is an increase of 46,000 euros compared to last year. The grants awarded by the Youth Sub-committee support the activities of adolescent and youth associations, youth activity groups and camps for children run by associations in Helsinki. Grants are also awarded to associations and youth activity groups in Helsinki to support measures to prevent segregation.
The increase in the funds allocated to grants is earmarked for operating and hiring grants, which will total 2,132,000 euros in 2026. The breakdown between operating and hiring grants will be confirmed in connection with each grant decision.
The special City-wide grant for the prevention of segregation, which was launched last year, will also amount to a total of 200,000 euros in 2026. The Culture and Leisure Committee has set the following objectives for the awarding of the grant:
- increasing positive encounters between population groups in suburban regeneration areas
- reducing differences in young people's functioning and prospects between different population groups
- improving the working capacity and employability of residents at all stages of their lives.
An amount of 50,000 euros was earmarked for project grants. This year, the Youth Services Partnership Unit will focus in particular on making it easier for youth groups in Helsinki to find Sponssi grants and other support opportunities.
In accordance with the Youth Sub-committee's grant policy, 660,000 euros will be allocated to 432 day camps and 157 overnight camps organised by 48 applicants. A total of 13,983 campers aged 7–16 from Helsinki are estimated to participate.
For the first time, 5,000 euros was earmarked for the new ‘Vuoden nuorisotyöllinen teko’ (Youth work action of the year) award, which will be given to an act, activity or project during ‘Nuorisotyön viikko’ (Youth Work Week) in 2026.
