För stipendiesökanden / For grant applicants - Association of Finnish Foundations (Stiftelser och fonder rf)

What Finnish foundations fund

Hundreds of private foundations and funds in Finland hand out grants for research, art and social projects. In 2024, 250 member foundations gave out 594 million EUR. Most money goes to doctoral (PhD) research, but grants also cover postdoctoral research, books, music, film, theatre, visual arts, design, festivals, cultural heritage, climate work and other public-good projects. Typical yearly rates are about 24,000 to 30,000 EUR for doctoral candidates, 28,000 to 36,000 EUR for postdocs, and 40,200 to 43,200 EUR for senior researchers. Grants usually run 4 to 12 months, are tied to a specific purpose, and are tax-free up to a state-set limit. This is not one single scholarship. The Association of Finnish Foundations is the umbrella body for these foundations, and this is its general guidance page. Each foundation sets its own rules, amounts and deadlines.

Who can apply

• Who you are: You can apply as an individual, a working group or an organisation, depending on each foundation's rules.
• Study level: Most grants target doctoral (PhD) research and beyond. Bachelor's and master's students are generally not funded here.
• Bachelor/master from outside the EU/EEA: If you study for a basic degree at a Finnish university and come from outside the EU/EEA, apply for tuition support through your own university, not through these foundations.
• Where the work happens: Your project should be carried out in Finland or benefit Finnish society.
• Nationality and language: Open to any nationality in principle. Some foundations require a certain citizenship or language skills, so check each one.

How to apply

You do not apply to the Association itself. Find the foundations that fit your project and apply directly to each one during its own application period. Application periods, forms and conditions differ from foundation to foundation, so check each one before you apply.

How realistic are your chances?

This is an overview page, not a single competition, so there is no one deadline or acceptance rate. Your real prospects depend on the foundation you target and how well your project matches its field. The largest, best-known foundations draw the most applicants. A smaller foundation whose focus lines up closely with your work often gives you a better shot.