Foundation funding of over half a billion euro for science, art and civil society projects
In October, the European Day of Foundations and Donors will be held as a reminder of the valuable work being carried out by foundations and their significant role in society. Finnish foundations grant more than half a billion euro in funding for science, art and civil society projects each year.Published 1.10.2024
The European Day of Foundations and Donors will be celebrated throughout Europe on 1 October. The day draws attention to the important work of foundations and their social impact.
Finnish foundations are significant supporters of science, art and civil society projects. In 2023, foundations granted a total of 538 million euro in funding; science was financed with 295 million euros, art with 85 million euros and other social development with 158 million euros.
The Sakari Alhopuro Foundation awards grants to research in medical science and related fields, environmental research as well as research that advances biodiversity and environmental protection. This year alone, the Foundation has granted a total of 915,000 euro to scientists and researchers.
Five years of support for science and research
The Sakari Alhopuro Foundation was founded five years ago this October. From the very beginning, the Foundation has been supporting researchers, particularly those in the early stages of their careers, in order to give them the opportunity to carry out successful research work and to promote their research careers during and beyond their dissertation work.
Over the five-year period, the Foundation has provided more than 5.2 million euro to scientists and researchers. Pentti Huovinen, Chairman of the Foundation Board, points out that research funding is not only essential for grant recipients but for everyone.
‘Without high-level research and committed researchers, our health care industry would be unable to provide us with effective and timely treatment. Our need for the information produced by research related to biodiversity is just as vital’, adds Huovinen.
Read about research projects funded by the Foundation
Foundation funding of over half a billion euro to support science, art and civil society
- In 2023, Finnish foundations supported science, art and civil society projects with a total of 538 million euro in funding.
- Throughout the period of Finland’s independence, Finnish foundations have granted an overall total of 6 billion euro to science and research.
- In the five years since its founding, the Sakari Alhopuro Foundation, alone, has provided more than 5.2 million euro to scientists and researchers.
- The Association of Finnish Foundations is an association for Finnish grant providers and the only benefit and support organisation for foundations in Finland. The Association includes all the largest foundations that provide grants and currently has 232 members.
- In all, there are approximately 2,700 foundations in Finland.
More information is available on the website of the Association of Finnish Foundations