erityisrahoitus

Erityisrahoitus refers to funds allocated for a specific purpose, program, or project rather than for general operating needs. In Finnish public administration the term describes earmarked or dedicated funding that is set aside for defined objectives and cannot be freely used for other purposes.

Sources of eriyisrahoitus include the national budget approved by Parliament, ministerial or agency allocations, European Union funds, and sometimes philanthropic or private contributions that are channeled through public programs. The money is typically distributed through budget lines or special appropriations and is subject to conditions attached to its use.

Key characteristics are the predefined purpose, limited time horizon, and use restrictions. Recipients can be municipalities, universities, health care providers, research institutes, or non-profit organizations, depending on the program. Allocation is often competitive or based on applications, with decisions tied to objectives, milestones, and performance indicators. Deviation from the defined scope generally requires explicit approval.

Governance and accountability involve tracking the spending separately from general funding, with reporting and audits conducted by the relevant ministry, agency, or supervising body. Compliance with rules, including transparency and, where applicable, state aid regulations, is typically required. Outcomes are assessed against the program’s targets, and results are reported to the funding authority or Parliament.

Use cases for eriyisrahoitus include advancing strategic policy areas such as education, innovation, regional development, healthcare, or culture, as well as piloting new approaches or responding to urgent needs. Criticisms can include fragmentation, opacity, and potential planning limitations if reliant on earmarked funds.