In 2005, Finland spent US$ 897 million on official development assistance (ODA), which corresponds to 0.47% of its gross national income (GNI). 66% was channelled to recipients by bilateral means while 34% was multilateral.

• Poverty reduction, with increasing gender equality being an integral part of poverty reduction work
• Prevention of global environmental problems to achieve the principle of sustainable development
• Promotion of human rights and democracy
• Promotion of global security, i.e. peace building and the development of human and ecological security
• Promotion of economic dialogue in order to foster the integration of least developed countries into the world economy.

NGOs can apply for financial support under the following funding programmes:

NGO Co-financing: This instrument offers funds for projects in developing countries that are carried out by NGOs registered in Finland.