This article contains information on how to set up an association, such as governance, risk management and association formation, as well as links to resources such as guides and self-study materials to support associations in their operation and development.
Table of contents
How to found an association?
A guide to setting up an association can be found on the website of Järjestöhautomo and on the website of the Finnish Patent and Registration Office.
An association is a permanent group of at least three members, acting in accordance with a common ideological purpose. An association may be set up to achieve common objectives.
Examples of non-profit associations:
- Cultural, social and charitable associations
- Leisure, sports and hobby associations
- Professional associations, sports, leisure and recreational activities
- Political parties
How to manage the association's administration and activities?
Guides & information banks
Suomen Pakolaisapu - Association resource library in easy English
A comprehensive knowledge bank for associations, offering resources on governance, funding, communication, and legal responsibilities. It provides practical tools, templates, and guides to support the effective operation and development of associations.
ABC of an association - a guide to Finnish association activities (in Finnish)
The administration guides the association's activities by organising and supervising them. An effective administration ensures the success of the association, both now and in the future. This guide covers the responsibilities and tasks of the Board of Directors and the basics of effective governance. It is important for the association's trustees, employees and volunteers to understand how the association works and why good governance is essential.
Civil society - Organisational work
The info bank provides resources and articles to support association and non-profit management. Topics include leadership, strategic planning, communication, change management, workplace well-being and organisational theory. It offers practical advice on leadership techniques, teamwork and organisational process development.
KSL - Keys to an association (in Finnish)
KSL's 'Keys to an association' guide provides practical advice to support associations in their administration, operations and development. It covers important topics such as financial management, legal obligations, member cooperation and event planning. The guide is particularly useful for new association managers or members.
SIVIS's material bank (in Finnish)
A library of resources for associations, offering guides, templates, and training materials. It covers topics like financial management, governance, digital tools, and communication to support organizational development.
Strategoi - Together Toward a Common Direction: Strategic Leadership in Associations (in Finnish)
A comprehensive guide to strategic leadership in associations and foundations. It explains how to build an effective strategy, link it to daily action, and lead strategically in a changing environment.
Self-study materials
Scope skills
Self-study material on association management, financial management, fundraising, communication and risk management. The materials will help people working in associations, such as volunteers, staff and board members, to develop their skills and understanding of organisational practices.
Association management (Scope skills)
A well-structured administration guides and oversees an association’s activities, ensuring its long-term success. This guide outlines board roles, responsibilities, and governance essentials, helping trustees, staff, and volunteers understand their duties. Strong governance and a clear operational framework are key to an effective association.
Risk management (Scope skills)
Life is full of risks, and associations often operate in uncertain circumstances, where funding is not always guaranteed and work is focused on vulnerable people. In the hectic world of associations, risk assessment and anticipation can be overlooked, which can lead to poor management and crises. Risk management is therefore an essential part of good governance for all associations.
How to write an action plan?
Writing an action plan:
The organisation draws up an annual action plan and budget. The action plan describes what the organisation intends to do in the coming year, while the budget sets out the costs and means of financing the planned activities. These documents are presented to and approved by the General Assembly of the organisation's Board of Directors. The action plan and budget are usually adopted in the autumn.
How to write an annual report?
Writing an annual report:
One year after the start of the association's activities, an annual report must be drawn up, which is usually discussed at the spring meeting. This report forms part of the financial statements used by the auditor to assess the management of the association's affairs. The activity report is an important document, even if there has not been much activity in the first year. It helps to assess whether the objectives set out in the activity plan have been achieved, what has not been done, what could be improved for the following year and whether activities have remained as planned. The activity report also serves as a guide for drawing up a new activity plan for the following year, identifying what needs to change and what has worked well over the past year.
What are the most important words to know when working in an association?
Below are glossaries containing important words related to organisational activities in Finland:
