yhteisvastuu

Yhteisvastuu, meaning Common Responsibility, is a Finnish fundraising campaign organized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and partner churches and organizations to support humanitarian aid and international development cooperation. Coordinated annually, the campaign typically runs during the Lenten period, culminating in a national collection aimed at funding projects in low-income countries and crisis-affected areas.

The campaign began in 1960 as a joint effort to mobilize charitable giving across congregations. Over the decades it has become one of Finland’s largest charitable campaigns, adjusting its focus to address global poverty, health, education, climate resilience, and disaster response while maintaining a liturgical and community dimension.

Governance is provided by a steering committee representing churches and partner bodies. Local congregations, parishes, and church organizations organize fund-raising activities and accept donations through church services, online channels, and special events, with volunteers and youth groups often participating.

Funds distribution is managed according to the campaign’s guidelines, with Finn Church Aid (FCA) often serving as the main implementation partner, along with other church-based and secular partners. The funds support humanitarian relief, poverty reduction, water and sanitation, education, health, and resilience projects in developing countries.

Impact: In Finland, Yhteisvastuu is regarded as a major expression of church-based solidarity and public philanthropy, engaging thousands of participants nationwide and providing a steady source of funding for both long-term development and emergency responses.