Kuopio Nature's Friends Association ry (Combined Scholarship Fund) - Scholarship

KLYY nature and environment scholarships

You will receive a grant of 35,000 EUR in total for 2026 from a joint fund, which is allocated across several grants for research initiatives and projects in the field of nature and the environment. The money comes from the Kuopion Luonnon Ystäväin Yhdistys ry (KLYY, Kuopio Nature Friends Association), Finland’s oldest nature conservation organisation. The fund comprises four types of grants:

• Lehtori Betty Väänänen grants: for genetic research, for example a PhD thesis, a Master’s thesis (Pro-Gradu thesis) or the work of a research group.
• Plant-damage grants: for a research project or a dissertation on environmental damage to plants caused by human activities.
• Member grant (jäsenapuraha): covers the costs of materials and travel for nature and environmental projects, or is awarded as a personal honour.
• Luontosatanen ("nature hundred"): up to 100 EUR for a nature-related wish. You buy the item, send in the receipts during the year, and the fund pays you back up to 100 EUR.

Who can apply

• Genetics grant: You are a researcher or student in the field of genetics. It would be an advantage if you were from the Savo region, but this is not a requirement.
• Plant-damage grant: You are a young researcher or a student at a university. Your work focuses on man-made environmental damage to plants.
• Member grant and Luontosatanen: You are a KLYY member with your membership fee paid and valid on 31 December 2025. Long and active membership counts in your favour.
• Luontosatanen age: This applies in particular to children and young people under the age of 18. If you are older than 18, you may apply provided you have valid reasons.
• What is not funded: With membership grants and Luontosatanen, you won’t receive any money for things you’ve already bought.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.

How to apply

Download the application form, complete it and sign it. Send the scanned PDF document, together with any attachments, by email to KLYY or by post to KLYY in Kuopio. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. The winners will be announced in early May and notified by post and email. You should expect to present your research findings at one of the association’s events or to write about them in the association’s journal.