KANTO2 project | Yhdistyksille | Koulutukset ja tilaisuudet | Hankehaku | Myönnetyt hankkeet
Kanto2 is a coordination project implemented by the North Karelian Social Security Association (Pohjois-Karjalan Sosiaaliturvayhdistys ry). The project runs from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026. The Kanto2 project is funded by the European Union.
Kanto2 stands for a coordination and communication project for citizen-led development. It supports and encourages civil society organisations (associations and NGOs) in North Karelia.
Citizen-led development means that organisations develop activities together with people, based on their needs and experiences.
The project helps associations, for example, to:
- develop and start projects
- apply for funding (ESR+ funding)
- receive guidance, advice, and peer support
Supporting inclusion and participation
The project helps associations support people who are unemployed or at risk of social exclusion.
Through the project, organisations can implement ideas that:
- improve equality and inclusion
- strengthen participation in society
- support work ability and everyday functioning
- reduce social exclusion
Who the project is for
Kanto2 is aimed at associations in North Karelia, especially those:
- applying for ESR+ funding, or considering applying
- already running ESR+ funded projects
What associations need
Based on a 2023 survey of organisations in North Karelia, associations especially need:
- easily accessible information
- guidance and support
- training and encouragement
They particularly requested training in:
- communication
- funding applications
- project management
- cooperation with welfare services and authorities
They also requested practical support for funding applications.
What Kanto2 does
The project provides:
- guidance and advisory services (online, phone, email, and face-to-face)
- peer meetings for organisations
- training and events
- communication support
- coordination, evaluation, and cooperation activities
Support is available throughout the project process and is always confidential.
Results and impact
Kanto2 has contributed to:
- new citizen-led development projects in North Karelia
- increased knowledge about funding opportunities
- improved visibility of organisations’ communication
- stronger cooperation between associations, municipalities, and wellbeing services
- improved inclusion, work ability, and equality, and reduced exclusion
Context
There are about 3,787 associations in North Karelia, most in Joensuu, followed by Lieksa and Kitee.
The project is funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), under the Citizen-Led Development (4.3 Equal Participation) funding line.
The North Karelian Social Security Association will continue using the knowledge gained from Kanto2 after the project ends.