Leader funding in danger of ending – the effects would be felt directly in our region
The European Commission is currently reforming the Leader funding for rural development, and the decisions may directly affect the operations of villages in our region, the start-up of businesses and the well-being of communities. The continuation of Leader activities is not a given – Finland will soon decide what opportunities local development will have after 2027. Small grants have big impacts In recent years, the Liiveri Development Association has enabled Ilmajoki, Jalasjärvi and Seinäjoki […]
Read the annual report to see what was achieved in 2025
Liiveri's 2025 annual report has been published. Check out the annual report (pdf). A few highlights from 2025: 94 positive project and business support decisions LocalTapiola granted 20,000 euros to Liiveri's Youth Leader activities Young Bridge Builders, Nordic Preparedness and Eco-Acts Together projects launched 89 of the community houses that received a % survey request responded to the national village house survey of Finnish Villages. The association's business operations started after a break of years.
See the list of those who received funding
We will publish those that have received funding when the Vitality Centre (formerly the ELY Centre) has made an official decision on them. The decisions made between 16 February and 23 March 2026 are listed below. Project grants Development project to be implemented as a small project Jalasjärvi 4H Association – 4H history alive Lakeuden Ursa Association – Safe under the stars – Lakeuden Ursa’s safety and preparedness project Finnish Migration Museum Support Association – Virtaa communication Ostrobothnia Sports and Sports PLU […]
Operational Innovators Diploma for Lakeuden Ursa ry
The board of directors of the University of Liiver awarded the 2026 diploma to the Lakeuden Ursa Association in recognition of its long-term work in increasing the accessibility of astronomy and the association’s systematic and innovative activities. Lakeuden Ursa has brought the hobby of stargazing and the wonders of space within reach of the residents of the Space Capital and nearby municipalities. The association’s activities make exploring the universe accessible and experiential – literally broadening people’s perspectives. The observatory, built decades ago, is still […]
The Ursa Minor brings the starry sky close
The starry sky has always fascinated people, and Lakeuden Ursa has been active around it in Seinäjoki for forty years. In recent years, Lakeuden Ursa's activities have been renewed. As a result, the association has grown to a community of nearly 170 members, which is one of the four largest stargazing associations in Finland in terms of membership. The easily accessible hobby invites enthusiasts of all ages to join. The association's most visible feature is the Sahanneva Observatory, […]
Did you know this from the background of village security work?
The work carried out by the Leader regions of South Ostrobothnia to develop village safety and preparedness is not a coincidence. A provincial expert group has been operating in the background for years, with representatives from the rescue service, the Voluntary Rescue Service (Vapepa), the Finnish Red Cross, the municipal sector, and the Villages of South Ostrobothnia and village developers from the Leader regions. The village safety group is currently planning, among other things, a large preparedness event for autumn 2026. The aim of the event is to provide an understanding of the current security situation and the work of village communities […]
What does village development bring to your mind?
Are you dreaming of a common place in your village to organize events, gather and have fun? Could the villagers benefit from building new sports facilities? Are you thinking about new services to be implemented in the village to increase the village association's finances? Does it occur to you that the village landscape could be cleaned up by clearing bushes and a professional could draw up a plan on how to make the environment more comfortable and attractive for potential new residents. Have you considered renewable energy when paying the village hall's electricity bills?
Preparedness tools for villages and neighborhoods have been brought together – Kylävara connects local communities to the overall security chain
The uncertain security situation has prompted many communities to consider how to better prepare for various disruptions. Households are being instructed to put together a 72-hour home reserve. Now communities also have their own preparedness toolkit: Kylävara. The toolkit, implemented as the Kylävara.fi website, provides information and practical instructions to support local preparedness and security work. Knowing how to act in disruptions also increases the sense of security. Kylävara’s tools are helpful when local […]
Villages are the safest place to live in the world
In South Ostrobothnia, villages are organizing to manage disruptions. Village security teams established in villages will speed up the provision of assistance in sparsely populated areas in the event of accidents and disruptions. The voluntary security work of villages and the preparation carried out in rural areas are also part of the crisis resilience of the entire society. Village communities are interested in bringing together different security expertise into a team to manage disruptions and speed up the provision of assistance. The village security teams operate voluntarily, like neighborly help, and if necessary, with the assistance of the authorities or the situation management of the Voluntary Rescue Service (Vapepa). Accident- […]
Liiveri newsletter – Current events from the beginning of the year
Topics of the first newsletter of 2026: Leader activities in Finland for 30 years – follow and participate in the events of the anniversary year! Liiver's funding guidelines for 2026 – maximum support calculated Responsible green plants from Alavalli Do you want to understand artificial intelligence? – Learn the basics with a free online course Those who have received funding to work in Tomina! Get yourself a summer job Develop your operations with the free Ekosparraamo! Publishing the village's resources Come and get to know the projects in Jalasjärvi Liiver's annual meeting Newsletter […]