Frequently Asked Questions – for Associations

What is the LähelläPRO service?
LähelläPRO is a free communication platform for associations, NGOs, communities, as well as municipalities and wellbeing services counties. It helps organizations find information, trainings, and events designed for associations across Finland. The service strengthens collaboration both between associations and with municipalities and wellbeing services counties.

Who can register as a user of LähelläPRO?
LähelläPRO is designed for sharing information intended for associations. All associations, federations, NGOs, various communities, and active civic actors can register. Municipalities and parishes can also join as operators. Commercial companies may register for the purpose of their voluntary activities.

What type of information can be published in the service?
LähelläPRO brings together all events, trainings, information, and announcements intended for associations, published by associations, NGOs, and communities at local, regional, and national levels.

Why should an organization publish its information in LähelläPRO?
LähelläPRO offers organizations free visibility to other associations as well as to the public sector.

Do I need to submit the same information to the Finnish service catalogue (Palvelutietovaranto) as well?
LähelläPRO is not intended for publishing services aimed at citizens. Announcements published in LähelläPRO are not transferred to the Finnish service catalogue. Services aimed at citizens should still be published in Lähellä.fi, from where they are automatically transferred to the Finnish service catalogue. You can read more about this here.

Why should organizations visit LähelläPRO regularly?
New information is continuously published on LähelläPRO. Here you can find trainings and events organized by other associations, which provide valuable knowledge and skills for your organization’s members. Municipalities and wellbeing services counties also publish important information on LähelläPRO, so it’s worth checking your regional page regularly for the latest updates.

How is the LähelläPRO service being developed? How can I give feedback or suggestions for improvement?
LähelläPRO is a new service launched in April 2025. It is continuously developed in collaboration with its users. You can submit feedback on technical features and suggestions for improvement via the feedback page.

What should I do if I need support with the service?
If you need guidance on how to use LähelläPRO, first check the user instructions to see if your question is answered there. If not, you can contact help desk for assistance.

Who is responsible for providing the LähelläPRO service?
LähelläPRO has been developed as a joint effort by 13 regional operators. Together with additional organizations that have since joined, they form the Lähellä network (formerly Toimeksi.fi network), which has been active since 2013. You can read more about the background of the Lähellä.fi service here.

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