The Common Responsibility Campaign

The Common Responsibility Campaign

The Common Responsibility Campaign (known in Finnish as Yhteisvastuukeräys) is a nationwide social movement based on the philosophy “love thy neighbour” and the annual fundraising campaign of the Finnish Lutheran Church. The Common Responsibility is organized by Kirkkopalvelut (The Church Resources Agency). The Campaign defends neglected people and advocates for caring and justice. Fighting indifference, we encourage society and its members to assume responsibility.

Help for those in need

50 % of the proceeds of the Campaign are channeled to the Finn Church Aid’s Disaster Fund, which enables the launch and implementation of emergency response to humanitarian disasters.

20 % is used annually for financial aid for variable charity projects in Finland and 30 % for diaconal work carried out by the local parishes.

The support is very concrete – the aim is to help people help themselves.  Since 1950, the  Campaign has reached already hundreds of thousands of people.

In 2026, The Common Responsibility Campaign Supports Older People in Need

There are one million people over the age of 70 in Finland. Many live alone at home and fear that they will no longer be able to cope. In 2026, donations to the Common Responsibility Campaign will be used to support older people who are struggling to manage on their own. As close networks and meeting places disappear and services move online, not everyone is able to keep up. Feelings of insecurity grow when people do not know how — or do not dare — to seek help. The Common Responsibility Campaign brings this phenomenon into focus.

The fear of not coping in everyday life does not concern older people alone. As many as half of young adults fear their own ageing. Behind this fear lies, among other things, the public discussion around care: Who will take care of me when I grow old?

In 2026, donations to the Common Responsibility Campaign will support outreach and community-based work with older people. Outreach elderly work seeks out those who are at risk of being left alone and guides them to support services and a sense of community. This work helps prevent loneliness, which increases the risk of illness, depression and even premature death.

In the world’s crisis regions, poverty is one of the most significant factors affecting the situation of older people. A lifetime of heavy physical labour, lack of education, inadequate healthcare and poor nutrition form a draining combination that provides no security for old age. Ageing often means becoming dependent on others. With support, older people’s livelihoods can be strengthened. For example, owning a small plot of land and selling its produce at a local market can provide crucial security for the later years of life.