Humanitarian Aid Brings Relief in Times of Need
Finland’s humanitarian aid program funds impartial, needs-based emergency assistance for vulnerable groups in crisis zones, prioritizing dignity, inclusion, and sustainability through global partnerships.
Funder: Finland Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (HAVAJ written application deadline for Finnish organisations, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typically €130–140 million total per year; Finnish civil society organisations: ~€12.4M/year; core and country-level funding to major humanitarian agencies.
Summary: Finland’s humanitarian aid program funds life-saving assistance for vulnerable groups in crisis zones through UN agencies, Red Cross/Red Crescent, and Finnish NGOs.
Key Information: For Finnish NGOs, ECHO partnership status is required; annual written application (HAVAJ) due in January.
Description
Finland’s humanitarian aid program, managed by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, provides critical support to people affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts, and other crises worldwide. The program emphasizes impartial, needs-based aid targeting the most vulnerable populations, including refugees, persons with disabilities, women, and children. Funding supports food security, emergency relief, protection, school meal programs, and the upholding of human dignity in crisis situations. Aid is delivered through partnerships with UN agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and eligible Finnish civil society organisations (CSOs). The program is guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence, and places a strong focus on gender equality, disability inclusion, climate sustainability, and the reduction of inequalities.
