Through the operation model of community based projects the EU -funding is utilised in a new innovative way. Individual inhabitants, associations, clubs, companies and other small actors can thus obtain funds for implementation of their own ideas. Through a simplified application process. Also the majority of financial administration is outsourced and done in centralised manner in order to prevent tiring out the applicants with bureaucracy. The model encourages inhabitant-oriented, local projects that might be difficult to start by using normal EU application procedures. The community based projects carried out have been targeted to improve the state of environment, enhance expertise and to improve physical surroundings etc.

In the big suburbs of the East  Turku area there is high level of unemployment, immigrants and people receiving income support in relation to the average in the city. The area was chosen for an Objective 2 urban branch area for the period of 2000 – 2006. The problems and possibilities of the area are been addressed through the cluster of development projects funded by the EU, the Finnish government and the City of Turku. Community based projects bring EU funds close to people.

The community based project support goals set in the East Turku Development Program 2000 – 2006 and the strategic guidelines of the City of Turku. Wide consultation round precedes the selection of the projects which are to be funded. The district work groups consisting of local inhabitants have a significant role in the selection process.

67 community based projects have been funded during 2000 – 2006. The new way of carrying out grassroot level ideas has aroused enthusiasm and enhanced local co-operation of local actors. The model has proved to been successful in Turku and it has been adopted in other Finnish cities too.

Local inhabitants, associations, clubs, businesses etc.

Funding: max budget of individual project 8.400 euros. Total budget of the all community based projects approx. 50.000  euros per year. Labour resources: Project consultant (approx. 1/3 of total hours)

Community based projects are partly EU funded (EARF)

Co-ordination Project for Development of East Turku
Finland
Mr. Tomi Virkkunen (Project Consultant), tel. +358 2 2627 562

05/06/2000

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Capacity building, Mediation, Support for local groups