According to a new report by the Association of Finnish Foundations (Säätiöt ja rahastot ry), Finnish foundations supported science, art, and civic activities with a total of 594 million euros in 2024. The sum increased by 56 million euros compared to the previous year. As public funding for culture and civil society is being cut, private foundations are taking on an ever greater share of responsibility.
In 2024, Saastamoinen Foundation’s grants were distributed as follows: science 22.5%, art 45%, and social initiatives 32.5%
The report covers nearly 250 grant-making foundations and funds. The largest share of support went to science (327 million euros), followed by art (99 million euros) and civic activities (168 million euros). Funding for the arts grew by 17 percent.
For many artists, researchers, and citizens, foundation support is vital. It can enable the continuation of research, the first steps of an artistic career, or access to hobbies for the youth.
Science and art strongly supported by foundations
Foundations funded medical and health sciences with over 100 million euros, accounting for about one-third of the field’s research spending in universities. The humanities received over 41 million euros, or about one quarter of their total funding. Altogether, Finnish foundations have supported science and research with more than six billion euros since Finland’s independence.
Support for the arts reached a record level of nearly 100 million euros, more than double the amount distributed by the Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike). The largest share went to music, while performing arts, visual arts, and literature also benefited significantly.
Foundations strengthen well-being and community
The 168 million euros allocated by foundations to civic activities can be seen across the country — in rescue boats, restored summer theatres, and skate ramps. Small streams create a great impact: foundation-funded projects enhance well-being, inclusion, and community in everyday life.
Saastamoinen Foundation is a global partner to art and science
In 2024, Saastamoinen Foundation awarded 6.7 million euros in grants for science, art, and social initiatives. On the scientific side, for instance, the family foundation supports projects such as epilepsy research and sustainability law and economics at its partner university, the University of Eastern Finland.
Saastamoinen Foundation supports the arts because creativity brings people together and fosters the kind of innovation needed to address today’s challenges. The foundation also maintains Saastamoinen Foundation Art Collection, exhibited through rotating shows at EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art. In addition, it supports art research, education, and residencies at the Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Helsinki.
The foundation also promotes social engagement, especially among young people. Examples of supported initiatives include the Yrityskylä learning program and RARE, a next-generation media platform producing journalism by and for young people.
In 2024, the Saastamoinen Foundation’s grants were distributed as follows: science 22.5%, art 45%, and social initiatives 32.5%
Foundation Day October 1
Across Europe, around 175,000 foundations collectively support charitable causes with 76 billion euros each year. European Foundation Day is celebrated on October 1.
Read more about the report on the Association of Finnish Foundations’ website in Finnish here.
