varainkeruussa

Varainkeruussa refers to the act of raising funds for a purpose through voluntary contributions, used by organizations to finance activities aligned with their mission. The term is Finnish; varainkeruu means fundraising, and varainkeruussa denotes the process or act of fundraising or being in the fundraising phase.

It is common in the non-profit sector in Finland, including associations (yhdistykset), foundations (säätiöt), religious communities, cultural institutions, sports clubs, and other civil-society actors that rely on external support to implement their activities.

Fundraising is carried out through a variety of methods, such as donations (lahjoitukset), corporate sponsorships (yrityssponsorointi), grants (apurahat) from foundations and public funding programs, fundraising events (tapahtumat), product- or campaign-based appeals (tuotto- tai kampanjat tuotteilla), online campaigns (verkkokampanjat), crowdfunding (joukkorahoitus), major gifts, and planned giving (tulevaisuuden lahjoitukset). Organizations often combine several channels to reach different donor groups and to diversify their resource base.

Governance and ethics play a key role in varainkeruussa. Clear and accurate communications about how funds will be used, transparency in accounts and reporting, donor consent and data protection, and compliance with applicable laws are expected. Strong governance, including oversight by a board and appropriate financial controls, supports donor trust and long-term support.

Planning and measurement are central to effectiveness. This includes setting concrete fundraising goals, budgeting, donor relationship management, and evaluating efficiency and impact, such as the cost of fundraising relative to the funds raised and the outcomes achieved. The practice of varainkeruussa can vary by sector, organization size, and regulatory context.