Government increases grants to civil society organizations

In the amendment to its 2020 budget proposal, the Government is proposing that the appropriations for discretionary government grants to civil society organizations that are relevant to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ responsibilities be increased to 1.541 million euros from 1.341 million euros.

The Government is proposing that the amendment to its 2020 budget proposal include an increase of 14.9% in the appropriations for discretionary government grants to civil society organizations from the budget item 24.90.50 (‘Certain government transfers’), which means an increase to 1.541 million euros from 1.341 million euros.

"Strengthening the civic space and facilitating civil society participation are among the priorities set out in the Government Programme," says the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in a press release.

The discretionary government grants from the budget item are organizations operating in the field of foreign and security policy and for the provision of information on Europe by civil society organisations, as well as for supporting the human rights work of civil society organisations.

Amendment submitted to Parliament

The amendment to the budget proposal was submitted to Parliament on 21 November. The discretionary government grants will be made if Parliament allocates the necessary funds in the 2020 Budget.

The open application process is currently under way for discretionary government grants for civil society organisation activities relevant to Finland’s foreign and security policy and its international commitments in 2020, and will end on 22 November 2019.

The open call for applications for discretionary government grants for the provision of information on Europe by civil society organisations in 2020 is also in progress and will conclude on 5 December 2019.