Foundations grant 594 million euros for science, art, and society – an increase of 56 million from the previous year
Finnish foundations supported science, art, and civic activities with a total of 594 million euros last year. The funding increased by 56 million euros compared to the previous year. As public funding is being cut, private foundations are taking on an ever-greater responsibility for sustaining the conditions necessary for culture and civil society organizations.Published 1.10.2025
International Foundation Day is celebrated annually on October 1st across Europe. The day highlights the important work and societal impact of foundations. In 2024, Finnish foundations donated approximately 594 million euros in support of science, art, and society.
“The research funding provided by foundations is not only important for grant recipients, but for all of us,” emphasizes Pentti Huovinen, Chairman of the Board of the Sakari Alhopuro Foundation.
The Sakari Alhopuro Foundation has, during its six years of operation, awarded grants totaling more than six million euros. The Foundation grants funding for medical research and closely related fields, environmental research, as well as research that promotes biodiversity. This year, for the first time, the foundation has also supported the arts.
“Without high-quality research and dedicated researchers, our healthcare system cannot provide effective and up-to-date treatment. Just as urgently, we need knowledge produced by biodiversity research and thought-provoking art,” says Huovinen.