Small funding 

Applying

Applications submitted by 31 July will receive a funding decision in August–September.
Applications submitted by 31 October will receive a funding decision in November–December.

Funding decisions are not justified, and we do not provide feedback on applications.

Through the Small funding, we fund the activities of Finnish organisations with a business ID taking place in Finland. In 2025, funding can be applied for either through the Small funding or the General grant call – not both. We only accept applications through our grant system Nesslink. Register and log in to Nesslink as an organisation applicant. Carefully read all instructions on this page before filling out the application.

The projects should be linked to natural systems and socio-ecological systems

In the midst of the current ecological crisis, society and its various sectors will have to take into consideration both the capacity of our planet and humanity’s dependence on natural systems. This is called a sustainability transformation. During sustainability transformation, society as a whole and all of its socio-ecological systems undergo a transition. Natural systems, culture, the economy, energy solutions, food systems, cities and the well-being and functioning of citizens are undergoing a simultaneous transformation.

The Nessling Foundation offers funding for innovative projects and active researchers that enable or support sustainability transformation that protects natural systems. Natural systems are systems formed by other species and their habitats. These systems support all life, including human societies. Natural systems are threatened by the crossing of planetary boundaries.

The applicant for the small funding must select, during the application phase in Nesslink, the planetary boundaries and socio-ecological systems to which the project is linked.

We support civil society activities within the sustainability transformation

The sustainability transformation is a response to the ecological crisis. In the midst of this crisis, society and all its sectors must change to respect the limits of the planet and acknowledge humanity’s dependence on natural systems. This is referred to as a sustainability transformation that protects natural systems (Finnish Expert Panel for Sustainable Development).

For the Nessling Foundation, the sustainability transformation is a comprehensive process of societal change grounded in strong sustainability, which aims to align human activities with the ecological limits of the planet. It goes beyond technological solutions, demanding a far-reaching transformation across all areas of life – changes in the structures and functions of culture and society such as the economy, governance, production and consumption and our values and mindsets. At the heart of the transformation is the simultaneous and equal well-being of both humans and the rest of nature, supported by coherent and long-term policymaking that ensures fairness and inclusiveness throughout the transformation (Luontopaneeli, in Finnish).

The sustainability transformation is realised through active and purposeful human action across the society: in political decision-making, administrative regulation, the activites of businesses and other organisations, as well as in civil society initiatives and everyday choices.

Sustainability transformation will not happen without broad participation. That is why the role of civil society is essential. Civil society can draw attention to injustices, challenge existing structures, promote new thinking and support actions that foster sustainability from the grassroots level up.

Through the Small call, we fund projects and activities that strengthen the role of civil society in advancing sustainability transformation. The activities must be science-based and aim for societal impact – that knowledge moves from words into actions and values.

Funding can be applied for, for example, for:

• Events and workshops
• Artistic and cultural activities
• Publications and educational materials

The most important thing is that the project supports societal change that respects natural systems – and does so in a way that invites people to take part in advancing sustainability transformation.

Who can apply for funding?

Through the Small call, we only fund Finnish organisations with a business ID. We do not fund private individuals through the call. In 2025, funding can be applied for either through the Small funding call or the General grant call. Consider carefully which call you wish to submit your application to.

The responsible leader of the project submits the application in the Nesslink grant system. Please note that the application must be submitted on behalf of the organisation. Select your applicant type as “organisation” when registering in the system.

Application criteria

• The project supports sustainability transformation that protects natural systems
• The project strengthens the conditions for civil society activity in advancing sustainability transformation
• The project is science-based. An activity is considered science-based when its content, objectives or implementation are grounded in previously produced, peer-reviewed and documented scientific knowledge. This knowledge may guide the planning of the project, form the foundation of its content, or be reflected in its implementation and intended impact.
• The project must be implemented in Finland by a Finnish organisation (with a business ID)
• A maximum of €10,000 can be granted for the project
• The project must be implemented within one year from the approval of funding
• The applicant cannot have another project funded by the Nessling Foundation running concurrently

We do not grant small funding for:

• Research work, research expenses or travel
• Self-financing shares
• Business development
• Private individuals

Project plan

The project plan is the primary source of information when making funding decisions. It must include the following:

• The purpose of the project
• Objectives
• Roles of the participants in the project
• Timeline
• How the project supports sustainability transformation that protects natural systems
• How the project is science-based
• Which target groups the project reaches or involves

The maximum length of the project plan is 4,000 characters including spaces, which equals one page. Any content beyond 4,000 characters will not be read. In addition, the file may include one extra page for references or a bibliography. You may upload only one PDF attachment of two pages in total, with a maximum file size of 10 MB.

More information

If you need more information about applying through the Small funding call, you can email us at . Please write “Small funding” in the subject line of your message.