Nessling Foundation - Science-Based Action Grants

Enriched Nordic · Found: 2026-03-11 07:51

Grant program for science-based action projects addressing Baltic Sea environmental challenges.

Source: https://nessling.fi/en/instructions-science-based-action/

Funding Details

Funder

Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation

Funding Goal

Support innovative, science-based action projects that enable or support sustainability transformation protecting natural systems, with impact on Finnish society. Projects must not conduct new research but must be based on existing peer-reviewed scientific knowledge.

Funding Amount

Grant amounts not specified; personal grants plus expense allowances; organisational grants cover salary and project costs

Deadline

2026-08-28 (periodic)

How to Apply

Apply via the Nesslink system (https://nesslink.fi/). Application form available during the call period. Mandatory attachments: project plan, communications and interaction plan, CV or portfolio from project leader, signed commitment form. Applications can be submitted in Finnish or English. System opens 17 August 2026, closes 28 August 2026.

Target Region

Finland (mandatory Finnish societal impact)

Last Checked

2026-05-07 05:21

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Project must be based on existing peer-reviewed scientific knowledge (not new research)
• Must include at least one Finnish participant or organisation in the project team
• Must include at least one Finnish stakeholder or target group

Project Scope

• Application must be submitted via Nesslink system during 17-28 August 2026 window
• Project must demonstrate impact on Finnish society

Required Documents

• Mandatory attachments: project plan, communications plan, CV, signed commitment form

Constraints

• Applicant cannot have an ongoing Nessling Foundation-funded project
• Maximum one application per applicant per call period
• Project duration maximum one year (two years for 2026 call)

Summary

The Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation's General Grant Call funds science-based action projects under the category 'Funding for a science-based action project'. This grant type supports projects that translate existing peer-reviewed scientific knowledge into societal action for sustainability transformation that protects natural systems. Projects must be grounded in science but are not research projects themselves. Thematic scope: The foundation focuses on planetary boundaries and socio-ecological systems. Eligible natural systems and planetary boundaries include climate change, biodiversity loss, nitrogen and phosphorus flows to oceans, freshwater consumption, land system change, ocean acidification, and chemical pollution. Socio-ecological system categories include human wellbeing, sustainable economies, food systems, energy decarbonisation, urban systems, and others. Projects touching marine environments (ocean acidification, nutrient pollution to oceans) are eligible but not specially prioritised. Eligible activities include projects that apply scientific knowledge to drive change in Finnish society. Examples include communication projects, collaborative projects between researchers and practitioners, pilot interventions, advocacy, training, and social innovation. The project must clearly demonstrate how it creates public benefit and societal impact. Geographic scope: Impact must be on Finnish society. Project team must include at least one Finnish participant or organisation, and at least one Finnish stakeholder or target group. Projects can have international components but the societal impact must be Finnish. Eligible applicants include individuals, working groups, or organisations (universities, research institutes, NGOs, associations, municipalities, foundations, companies). Each applicant may submit only one application per call. Previous grantees may reapply if their final report has been submitted. The applicant must always be the project leader. Project duration is up to one year (or up to two years for projects funded in the 2026 grant call). Budget covers personal grants for individuals or salary costs for organisations, plus expenses (equipment, field studies, travel, consumables). Applications are submitted via the Nesslink online system during the August call window (17-28 August 2026). There is no specified co-funding requirement.

Historical Context

The General Grant Call runs annually in autumn. For 2026, the funded projects can last up to two years (extended from the previous one-year maximum). The page notes it will be updated in May 2026 with 2026-specific information.

Sources

• https://nessling.fi/en/instructions-science-based-action/

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