Small Funding supports civil society action in the sustainability transformation – call is open 9–20 March 2026

The Nessling Foundation’s Small Funding call is open from 9 to 20 March 2026. Through the Small Funding, we provide support for the work of civil society in the sustainability transformation, with a particular focus on strengthening the opportunities of smaller actors to participate, thereby enhancing diversity and inclusion across the field of actors. This is the only Small Funding call organised in 2026.

Small Funding is open to Finnish organisations with a Business ID. Applicants may apply for a maximum of €10,000, and funding may be granted for science-based activities lasting up to one year.

Civil society plays a key role in 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. The transformation cannot be achieved through technological solutions alone; it requires broad participation, cultural change and an active civil society.

Through the Small Funding call, the Nessling Foundation supports activities that draw attention to injustices, challenge existing structures and translate research-based knowledge into practice. The aim of the funded activities is societal impact – that knowledge moves from words into actions and values.

What kind of projects are funded?

Funding may be applied for, for example:

• workshops, co-creation or training
• communications activities such as campaigns, events, publications or learning materials
• art and cultural activities
• experiments, pilot projects or the development of new operating models

Most importantly, the project must support societal change in line with the ecological limits of natural systems and do so in a way that invites people to participate in advancing the sustainability transformation.

We welcome as wide a range of ideas as possible. Applicants are encouraged to apply boldly also for activities that are not included in the examples above or among previously funded projects.

Decisions published in April

Funding decisions will be announced by the end of April 2026. The Nessling Foundation will fund 6–8 projects through the Small Funding call.

Best of luck with the application process!