Moniheli Warns of Major Impact as STEA Funding Criteria Tighten for 2027
Helsinki, Finland – New funding criteria announced for 2027 by Finland’s Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations (STEA) are raising concerns across the NGO sector, including among umbrella organizations representing migrant and minority communities. The changes come alongside a significant reduction in available funding, with approximately €190 million to be distributed in 2027, around one-third less than the current year’s allocation.
According to the new guidelines, STEA will prioritize direct, face-to-face support services and activities with clearly demonstrated social and health benefits. Organizations focused primarily on advocacy, policy influence, or serving specific identity-based groups may face difficulties in securing continued funding. The criteria also place stricter limitations on umbrella and national network organizations.
The changes are expected to have far-reaching consequences for Finland’s civil society sector. Estimates suggest that up to 2,000 jobs could disappear from organizations funded through STEA compared to 2024 levels. Many NGOs fear that support services for vulnerable communities, including migrants, minorities, and socially excluded groups, could be significantly affected.
As one of Finland’s largest umbrella organizations for migrant associations, Moniheli has expressed concern over the direction of the reforms. The organization emphasizes that civil society plays a crucial role in promoting inclusion, wellbeing, participation, and access to services for people who are often underserved by mainstream systems.
The debate surrounding the funding changes continues across the sector, with organizations calling for recognition of both direct support work and advocacy efforts that help improve the lives of vulnerable populations. Many NGOs argue that preventing exclusion and strengthening social cohesion requires long-term investment rather than further cuts.
The final allocation of 2027 STEA funding will be determined following the application and assessment process later this year.
