Our funding targets bold and forward-thinking projects that align with the goals of the Foundation. We are ready to take risks together with the applicant.
We value projects with long-term impact and ambition, and are ready to support a project for a longer period of time. We prioritize larger focused grants over numerous smaller ones.
You can apply year-round
Please, read the following instructions before accessing the online service.
Submit your application via our online service →
When can you apply?
We accept funding applications for projects throughout the year (there is no separate application round for project grants). Applications are only accepted via the Foundation’s online service. Applications submitted by any other means are not taken into consideration.
What projects do we fund?
We seek and fund projects that strengthen innovation and diversity at the forefront of creative music-making. Additionally, we support initiatives that strengthen structures that promote the visibility of professional music creators and their works, and help build audiences both in Finland and internationally.
Project grants can be applied for short-term (one year or less) or multi-year projects. The duration and basis of the project is to be described and clarified in the application; they are the foundation in our decision-making.
Projects that align with our goals ideally include one or more of the following qualities:
- Projects that increase diversity and support the marginalized perspective.
- Projects that strengthen structures, promote the export of Finnish works or a music creator’s international breakthrough.
- High-risk projects that create something new or target new areas that the applying organisation cannot execute alone due to the risk.
- Projects that increase the value of the repertoire.
- Projects that increase the use of Finnish copyright protected music.
Grants for companies are always project-based: they can be used for the specific project only and cannot cover the company’s general expenses. The project must align with the Foundation’s goals and non-profit purpose. Our grants may not contribute to distortion in the commercial market or to the profit-making by the company.
Who can apply?
Eligible to apply are music publishers, music exporters and professionals promoting and innovating music. We primarily fund non-profit and other organisations, working groups and, to a limited extent, companies.
Applicants must be Finnish citizens, persons residing permanently in Finland or a registered company or organisation based in Finland. Working groups must have a designated main applicant responsible for the use of the grant and the reporting to the Foundation, other group members and other relevant parties.
Previously funded projects can receive new funding with a new application. The application and evaluation process, and the instructions remain the same as in the first application.
Evaluation criteria for applications
When evaluating applications, we will consider them in relation to our goals of promoting diversity of music creators and their works, renewal in the field of music, and exposure and audience building of Finnish music creators and their works. The conditions for awarding funding are:
- The project must originate from music creators, creatorship or the work. Predominantly performing arts or non-professional projects are not eligible.
- The project is professional with a long-term impact even after the funding or the project has ended.
The application must clearly state and explain what the project aims to do and what its intended impact is, how the project contributes to the objectives of the Foundation, and include a realistic project plan and budget.
Who evaluates the applications?
The Foundation’s Board assesses all applications and may consult appointed experts when needed.
The Foundation Board decides on grants at least twice a year, up to four times per year. They meet in May and November, and in February and August if needed. The exact dates of the meetings are not disclosed. The average processing time of an applications is two to four months. The Foundation does not guarantee that an application will be considered in a specific meeting.
The Foundation does not provide status updates on the application process or justifications for its decisions.
When are decisions announced?
Decisions on project grants are emailed to applicants shortly after the relevant Board meeting. The decision is sent to the email given in the application. We recommend to also check your spam folder.
After the awarded grants are published on the Foundation’s website, they may be freely and publicly communicated by the recipient to relevant parties.
Payment and reporting
Project grants are paid out quarterly in January, April, July and October. Grants are not paid at any other times.
Project grants are paid in one or several instalments based on the duration and amount of the grant.
Payment and reporting instructions are sent by email to the recipients of awarded grants, and they must submit a report of the use of the grant within the specified timeframe.
Data protection
By applying for a grant from the Teosto Cultural Foundation the applicant provides personal information about themselves and possible working group members, which forms a register of personal data for the Foundation. The right to collect, store, use and otherwise process personal data is regulated by law.