The Finnish Municipal Foundation supports municipalities

The Foundation promotes the vitality, democracy and self-governance of Finnish municipalities.

The Foundation’s purpose as part of developing the wider society

Seeking to understand what the future of Finnish municipalities holds and to gain diverse perspectives on related phenomena are at the core of the Foundation’s purpose. The Foundation supports research, development and innovation activities of the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, funds university research and professorships, and awards prizes for master’s theses, among other things. In addition, the Municipal Foundation enables explorations into the significance of the urban way of life by continuing the work of the Urbanism Foundation.

What is the Finnish Municipal Foundation?

At its spring meeting in 2016, the council of the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities decided to establish the Finnish Municipal Foundation. The following year, in 2017, the Urbanism Foundation sr merged with the Finnish Municipal Foundation. In the year 2026, the Municipal Foundation will have implemented its purpose for the benefit of Finnish municipalities for 10 years.

The Finnish Municipal Foundation awards grants for activities that are in line with its strategy and purpose. The foundation is currently renewing its strategy and grant application process. By following this website, you will get up-to-date information about the types of funding available and the application process.

Types of funding granted by the Finnish Municipal Foundation

The new research programme of the Finnish Municipal Foundation and the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities

The aim of the new research programme of the Finnish Municipal Foundation and the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities is to support practical applied research that supports the work of Finnish municipalities. The research programme aims to enable the utilisation of current research in the development and decision-making of municipalities.

Thematic grant application periods based on the strategic priorities of the Finnish Municipal Foundation are organised annually or every two years. The first grants are scheduled to be awarded in 2027.

The grant applications are opened and the research programme is managed by the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities. We will also announce the opening of application periods on this page.

General grant for the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities

The general grant is intended for Research, Development, and Innovation projects of the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities.

Stipends

Stipends can be granted to reward master’s theses that concern topics relevant to the work of municipalities. The Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities invites universities annually to nominate master’s theses. The stipends are awarded through the Finnish Municipal Foundation. Read more about the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities’ recognition award here (in Finnish).

Urbanism

The purpose of Urbanism is to support, develop and draw attention to the urban way of life and its significance, for example through the World’s Best Cities invitation courses. The Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities is responsible for the activities that fall under Urbanism. The activities are funded by the Finnish Local and Regional Foundation. You can find more information about Urbanism here (in Finnish).