Finnish Social and Health NGO Soste to Lay Off, Furlough Staff Amid Funding Cuts

Soste, the umbrella organization for social and health sector NGOs in Finland, is undergoing significant staff reductions, announcing the dismissal of 13 employees and the furloughing of its remaining staff for varying periods. This drastic measure follows the conclusion of change negotiations that began in late June.

The primary driver for these cuts is the new set of criteria for grant applications established by Minister of Social Affairs and Health Wille Rydman. These criteria have been interpreted as a substantial reduction in funding, particularly impacting umbrella organizations like Soste, which play a crucial role in coordinating activities for other NGOs.

Soste's Secretary-General, Vertti Kiukas, who is himself on furlough for the entire upcoming year, highlighted the uncertainty within the NGO sector regarding future public funding. Hanna Markkula-Kivisilta, Chair of Soste's board, stated that the organization cannot afford to wait for final funding decisions. The change negotiations were also influenced by broader funding cuts affecting the social and health sector, with STEA grants reduced by approximately 140 million euros during the current government term.

Despite the severe downsizing, Soste aims to continue its core mission of defending the operational conditions for social and health organizations. The organization plans to operate with roughly five full-time equivalents next year, focusing its efforts on advocacy within the shrinking operational landscape.

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We cannot wait for the final grant decisions.