How much foundations give out
In 2024 the member foundations of Säätiöt ja rahastot ry supported Finnish science, the arts and other societal development with a total of 594 million euros. The amount grew by 56 million euros from the previous year. Medicine and health sciences received the most support, over 100 million euros.
The association has around 250 foundations, funds and associations as members. So there is plenty of money, but it is divided among hundreds of funders, each with its own purposes, application periods and conditions. Success starts with finding a funder whose rules your project genuinely fits.
Can a business receive a grant from a foundation?
A public-benefit foundation cannot fund a project that brings a direct financial benefit to a particular party. That is why foundation money generally cannot be obtained for developing an ordinary company's business, marketing or investments. Public support intended for business development, such as funding from Business Finland and the Vitality Centres, is covered in a separate guide in the Grants Radar.
A company can still take part in a foundation-funded project when the project's results are public and benefit a wide group. Examples include open research, education, a regional cultural event or a joint development project for the sector. In that case the applicant is often an association, educational institution or university, with the company as a partner. Read the funder's rules carefully: some foundations fund only natural persons, others only organisations.
How to find the right foundation
When choosing a funder, fit matters more than size. Foundations change their priorities, so always check the current terms on the funder's own website.
- The foundation search of Säätiöt ja rahastot ry: about 250 funders by field supported (science, the arts, other societal development).
- Tiedejatutkimus.fi and taidejakulttuuri.fi: open calls in science and the arts.
- Regional funds and local foundations: they often favour projects carried out in their own area.
- Organisations' own compilations, such as the funding source lists of Kansalaisareena and Fingo.
- Grants Radar's application calendar, where you can see current calls at a glance.
Application periods and requirements
Each foundation decides its own application periods. Some accept applications once a year, some more often, and some continuously. Many calls aimed at organisations require a registered association and a Business ID. Make sure well in advance that the association register details, signing rights and accounts are in order, because the person signing the application must be authorised to do so.
The project generally must not begin until after the decision, and costs already incurred are not reimbursed. Also check whether the funder excludes, for example, publishing your own production, research or activities abroad.
How to write an application that stands out
Competition is tough. For example, in the Kone Foundation's general call in 2024, about 5.2 per cent of applications were funded. Foundations often use peer review by experts in the field and must choose between equally good applications.
- In the first paragraph, say what you do and why it matters right now.
- Make the plan concrete: who does what, where, when and how.
- Draw up a realistic budget and schedule. Don't overpromise, but don't undersell yourself either.
- Show how the project fits the foundation's purpose and who benefits from the results.
- Ask for recommendations and partner commitments weeks before the deadline.
- Have an outsider read the application and check the attachments and signatures before sending.
Taxation and reporting
According to the Finnish Tax Administration, grants and donations received by a public-benefit community, such as most registered associations, for public-benefit activity are tax-free income. A grant paid to a business operating a trade for its business costs, on the other hand, is in principle taxable income. In unclear cases, ask the Finnish Tax Administration.
A foundation usually requires a report on the use of funds, and some do not award a new grant until the previous report has been approved. Keep the accounts project-specific and retain the receipts. Mention the funder in the project's communications in accordance with the funder's guidelines. If you hire employees for the project, the association is an employer and is responsible for non-wage costs and insurance.
If the application is rejected
A rejection does not mean the project is bad. Because of the number of applications, many foundations cannot give individual feedback. Use the opportunity to sharpen your application and apply again in the next round or to another, better-suited funder. Several smaller grants from different sources are often more realistic than one large one.
Frequently asked questions
Can a limited company apply to a foundation for a grant?
Rarely. A public-benefit foundation cannot fund a project that brings direct financial benefit to a particular party. A company can, however, be a partner in a public-benefit project.
Is a grant received by an association tax-free?
According to the Finnish Tax Administration, grants received by a public-benefit organisation for its public-benefit activities are tax-exempt income. Grants received for business activity are assessed separately.
Where can I see all foundations at once?
The foundation search of Säätiöt ja rahastot ry covers about 250 funders. You can also look for open calls on the tiedejatutkimus.fi and taidejakulttuuri.fi services.
Calculate it yourself
Ready-made tools
- Grant application template · Application template, budget template and checklist
- Invoice template and invoice register · Invoice with all mandatory details, VAT breakdown, reference number and outstanding receivables
Sources
- Säätiöt ja rahastot ry (Finnish Foundations' Association): About us
- Säätiöt ja rahastot ry (Finnish Foundations' Association): Distribution of member foundations' support in 2024
- Säätiöt ja rahastot ry (Finnish Foundations' Association): Find foundations
- Säätiöt ja rahastot ry (Finnish Foundations' Association): For grant applicants
- Finnish Tax Administration: Income taxation of public-benefit organisations
- Taxpayers of Finland: Is tax paid on support paid to a company?
- Association cooperation: Grants and scholarships from foundations and funds
The article is general information and does not replace the guidance of an authority, a lawyer or an adviser. Check up-to-date information from the sources.