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Applying for a grant

Grant applications are submitted via the online form available on our website. Applications must be sent through the system, and applicants are required to log in with personal credentials. If you encounter any issues during this transition to the new system or reporting format, please don’t hesitate to contact us — we are happy to assist.

The application form is in Finnish, but it may be completed in English or Swedish. Attachments may also be submitted in English or Swedish!

Go to the application portal

Guidelines

Please read carefully

Grant or Project Funding?

Please choose the correct funding form already at the application stage.

Grant

A grant is intended for an individual’s work or for a clearly defined, limited activity.

A grant is the right option when:

  • the applicant is an individual

  • the work concerns a defined research, working, or production process

  • the amount applied for is moderate

  • the implementation period is generally no more than one year

Individual grants are awarded only in the March call.

Project

A project is a broader entity, typically carried out by more than one person.

It is considered a project when:

  • the applicant is a working group (at least two persons) or a registered legal entity (Business ID)

  • the project is extensive or multi-phased

  • the funding applied for is at least EUR 50,000

  • the implementation period is generally longer than one year

The project application process is always two-stage.

If you are unsure whether to apply for a grant or project funding, you may contact C. V. Åkerlundin mediasäätiö before submitting your application.

Who can apply

In the March call, funding may be applied for by:

  • individuals

  • working groups

  • registered legal entities (with a Business ID)

The August call is intended for working groups and legal entities only.

We particularly encourage applications from:

  • media students

  • researchers

  • media professionals

The funded project must have a connection to Finland and benefit the Finnish media sector.

How to apply

Applications are submitted through the electronic application system.

  1. Log in to the system.

  2. Complete the application form and attach the required appendices.

  3. Submit the application within the application period.

You may edit a saved application before submitting it.

Working group as applicant

The application is submitted in the name of the responsible person.

  • The grant is paid to the applicant.

In the same call, an applicant may:

  • submit one individual application, or

  • act as the responsible person for one project

  • In addition, the applicant may participate in one working group.

Project application process

The project application process consists of two stages. The final funding decision is made on the basis of the full project application.

1. Concept paper (max. 3 pages)

The concept paper must briefly describe:

  • what the project will do

  • how it relates to the foundation’s purpose and funding priorities

  • the expected impact and benefits

2. Full application

Applicants whose concept papers are selected for the second stage will submit a more detailed application including:

  • a research or project plan (4–8 pages)

  • a budget (itemised quarterly where possible)

  • at minimum, the CV of the principal applicant

Project overhead costs may not exceed 15% of total costs (excluding statutory personnel costs).

Multi-year funding

Funding may be granted for up to three consecutive years.

The application must include a plan covering the entire project period.

Continued funding is subject to annual reporting and satisfactory progress.

Decisions

All applicants will be informed of the decision after the board meeting.

The foundation does not provide advance decisions and does not give justifications for funding decisions.

The names of evaluators are not disclosed.

Payment of the grant

Grant recipients must:

  1. Log in to their applicant profile

  2. Provide bank details

  3. Submit an electronic payment request

The grant will be paid once the payment request has been reviewed and approved.

The grant must be withdrawn within 12 months of the funding decision.

Please note that the grant will not be paid until the request has been reviewed and approved. If you encounter any issues, do not hesitate to contact the foundation.

Reporting

Reporting is carried out through the electronic system.

One-year funding

  • Report within 12 months of withdrawing the grant

Multi-year funding

  • Annual interim report

  • Final report at the end of the project

A final report must also be submitted for projects that are partially or fully uncompleted.

The foundation may reclaim the grant if reporting obligations are not fulfilled.

Communicating about your project

We are happy to communicate about the projects we fund.

When sharing results on social media, please tag:
@akerlundinsaatio

You may also propose content for our website blog.

Funding outside the regular calls

The foundation’s primary funding mechanism consists of the spring and autumn calls.

In exceptional cases, the foundation may consider requests outside the regular calls if:

  • the project clearly supports the foundation’s funding priorities

  • the case is genuinely exceptional

This does not constitute an ongoing or open call.

As a rule, funding is not granted for individual travel or participation costs.

Applications are considered at the discretion of the Board of C. V. Åkerlund media foundation