Association activities

Association activities mean civic participation where people come together for a common cause. Associations are very popular in Finland. There are many different types of associations in Finland, meaning different organisations and foundations. Organisations can work to promote a certain cause or to improve the situation of a certain group of people. They can also offer people sports, culture or social services.

In associations, you can get to know other people who are interested in the same things as you are. You can participate in an organisation as a regular member, or you can be more active as a member of the board or in some other trusted position. You can participate in volunteer activities, and many organisations also have hired employees. The activities of organisations are regulated by the Associations Act.

Association activities are an important part of Finnish civil society

In civic participation, people actively participate in developing their own society, learn new things and act together. Civic activities are often done in associations or organisations. There were around 108,000 registered associations in Finland in 2024 and around 2,700 foundations. In addition to these, there are many unregistered groups, clubs and other collectives in Finland. 

The purpose of association activities is not to pursue profits, instead, the activities bring many benefits to the people within the organisation and to all of society. Many organisations strive to advocate ideas and actions as well as for interests of a certain group in society. The motivation  can be be political, religious or more generally based on values. By communicating and advocating organisations strive to promote matters that they find important in society.

Some associations and foundations also produce services. Some of these services are done in cooperation with municipalities, wellbeing services counties or the state. Associations offer services especially in sports, culture and hobbies, but also education as well as health and social services.

An organisation can, for example:

• Organise activities for people to participate in, for example, hobbies 
• Offer guidance, advice and peer support 
• Organise courses and trainings 
• Participate in public discussion and have societal impact 
• Organise information and action campaigns 
• Raise funds and cooperate with businesses 
• Produce services 
• Organise public events 
• Organise demonstrations.

The freedom of assembly and association secures association activities

In Finland, all people have the freedom of assembly and association. This means that everyone has the right to be a part of an association, to take part in association activities and found associations. It is common for people in Finland to be members of many different organisations simultaneously and take part in their activities in different ways. 

The activities of associations are directed by the Associations Act in Finland. This describes how decisions are made in associations and how the responsibility is divided for the activities and finances of the association. Otherwise, the government strives to avoid regulating organisations and respects the authority of the organisations to decide about their own activities. 

Organisations often raise funds, meaning they ask people to donate money to the organisation as one-time donations or as monthly payments. Fundraising requires a money collection permit which is granted by the National Police Board. Without a permit, you are not allowed to collect money. Many organisations are also funded by the government.

What can you do in an organisation?

You can be involved in an organisation as a regular member or you can be a member of the organisation’s board. By being active in an organisation, you also learn about the rules of Finnish society. Organisation activities also provide meaningful things to do. You also get to know other people who are interested in the same things as you are. 

Many organisations offer opportunities for volunteer work. Volunteer work is done without financial compensation. Often this is done for a couple of hours a week or now and then. People participate in volunteer work for fun and because they want to promote a matter which is important to them. Volunteer work and association activities are a popular hobby in Finland. 

Organisations can also be workplaces, because many organisations have hired workers. Volunteer work and association activities also provide experiences which may later help with finding employment. You should mention volunteer work in your CV, because employers often value this. Know-how from volunteer work and association activities can also be beneficial in studies for a degree.

Organisations come in many forms and sizes

Organisations are different and diverse in their objectives, activities and finances. Organisation employees can work in demanding professional tasks and the funding for an organisation can be many millions of euros a year. However, many organisations are small and they function mainly on volunteer work and often locally. 

In Finland there are, for example:

• Sports associations 
• Arts, education and culture associations 
• Environmental organisations 
• Social welfare and health organisations 
• Trade unions and employer organisations 
• Political associations 
• Human rights and equality organisations 
• Multicultural organisations 
• Regional and neighbourhood associations.

In many areas, there are also associations founded by immigrants which offer companionship, support and activities for people who have moved to Finland from a certain country or certain area. These associations can be good places to find peer support from other people who have moved to Finland. You can, for example, celebrate traditional celebrations of your previous home country with others in these associations. 

More information about associations: Associations (infofinland.fi)