Associations and Community Organisations in Kuhmo
Associations and organisations play an important role in promoting the well-being of local residents. They provide a wide range of leisure activities, hobbies and opportunities to participate in community life.
In Finland, associations are governed by the Associations Act, which provides a common legal framework for their activities and ensures their equal status in society. Each association also establishes its own rules. According to the Register of Associations maintained by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office, Kuhmo is the registered municipality of 274 associations.
Associations and Organisations in Kuhmo
Kuhmo has a diverse range of associations offering activities for different age groups and areas of interest. Sports clubs and village associations are particularly active in the area.
You can browse associations and other organisations operating in Kuhmo through the Lähellä.fi service. You can also use Lähellä.fi to recruit volunteers for your activities.
Cooperation between the City and Associations
The City of Kuhmo works with associations in many different ways and supports the activities of associations, volunteers and event organisers.
Support available includes grants, free meeting facilities and expert assistance, such as:
- Support for organising events from the City’s event producer
- Communications support from the City’s communications team
- Advice and guidance from the Town Hall information desk and library
- Sector-specific expert support
From the beginning of 2026, grants for associations are primarily provided on the basis of sustainable development agreements. Development grants continue to be awarded based on applications.
For questions concerning grants, please primarily contact Acting Rural Affairs Secretary Janne Ylijoki:
Tel. +358 44 725 5280
janne.ylijoki@kuhmo.fi
Janne Ylijoki has also served as the City of Kuhmo’s contact person for associations since 1 February 2026.
The City of Kuhmo has introduced a newsletter for associations and community organisations. You can subscribe to the newsletter online.
Grants
Grants are available for:
- Sports activities
- Cultural activities
- Activities for children and young people
- Village activities
- Other association activities
Grant Applications 2026
Applications for City grants for sports, cultural activities, and activities for children and young people were open until 29 March 2026 at 23:59.
Applications were submitted using the City’s online application form.
The criteria for the grants, based on decisions by the relevant City committees, are available on this page.
Sports Development Grants
Sports development grants can be applied for by associations registered in Kuhmo to promote sports and physical activity in Kuhmo. The application must name a contact person from the association.
Development grants can be applied for annually for activities such as development projects, travel, one-off events or other activities outside the association’s regular annual operations.
The purpose of the grant is to promote physical activity, well-being, vitality, community spirit and participation in Kuhmo.
Cultural Development Grants
Cultural development grants may be awarded, for example, for organising events, art or photography exhibitions, village association summer events or book projects.
Grants are not awarded for general operating expenses.
Registered associations, informal groups and private individuals may apply for cultural development grants.
Grants for Activities for Children and Young People
Grants may be applied for by:
- Local registered youth associations that are members of a national youth organisation
- Other registered or unregistered youth associations in which at least two-thirds of the members are under the age of 30. Unregistered youth associations must have rules, administration and financial management comparable to those of a registered association, and their authorised signatories must be adults.
- Youth sections of adult organisations, provided that their finances are kept separate from those of the parent organisation.
- Activities organised by young people themselves, provided that at least two-thirds of those responsible for and implementing the activities are under the age of 30. This also includes activities organised by young people to improve opportunities for youth participation and influence.
Meeting Facilities
Tarinatupa
Tarinatupa is located at Rajakatu 52.
Responsibility for the facility rotates between associations every two years. From 2026 onwards, the responsible organisation is the Kuhmo branch of Eläkeliitto.
Reservations can be made using the paper booking calendar at Tarinatupa. You can also contact the responsible association directly.
Meeting Rooms at Kuhmo Main Library
The meeting rooms at Kuhmo Main Library, Pajakkakatu 2, are available free of charge to associations and organisations based in Kuhmo, as well as regional organisations operating in Kuhmo, provided that no admission or participation fee is charged for the event.
Reservations:
kaupunginkirjasto@kuhmo.fi
Tel. +358 44 725 5390
Taitotehdas
Taitotehdas is located at Kainuuntie 85. The facility includes two soundproofed workspaces suitable for quiet work.
Keys can be collected from the Kuhmo Town Hall information desk. The information desk is open on weekdays from 9:00–11:30 and 12:30–15:00.
The facilities are free of charge for non-profit associations. The standard rental fee is €10 per hour.
Associations can make reservations through the Town Hall information desk:
asiakaspalvelu@kuhmo.fi
Tel. +358 8 615 5521
Associations and Events
The City of Kuhmo works together with associations in organising events and promotes events through its own communication channels.
Associations are encouraged to add their events to the Tapahtumien Kainuu event service, where the City can find events to highlight in its own channels.
You can also explore events in Kuhmo in the Culture and Event Services section of the City’s website.
