The Alvar Appeltofft Memorial Foundation - The Alvar Appeltofft Memorial Foundation Grant

The Alvar Appeltofft Memorial Foundation Grant

You will receive 5,000 SEK (about 500 EUR) as well as a work of art. This is an annual award, not a monthly payment. It is presented each year to honour an individual for their lasting contribution to the Swedish science fiction fan community. It is awarded by the Alvar Appeltofft Memorial Foundation (SAAM), a Swedish charity established in memory of the fan Alvar Appeltofft, who passed away in 1976. Within the Swedish fandom scene, this award is widely regarded as the most prestigious of its kind. It has been presented every year since 1978.

Who can apply

• What you have done: You have been volunteering for years, making a lasting contribution to the Swedish science fiction fan community, for example by organising conventions or publishing fanzines (magazines produced by fans).
• How you are chosen: You don’t nominate yourself. Fans put forward candidates, and the winner is chosen through a consultative vote within the Swedish fandom community.
• Age: No age restriction. The award was originally aimed at young fans, but can now be received by anyone who is active within the fandom.
• Nationality: There are no restrictions, but your work must benefit the Swedish fandom community.
• Field: Science fiction fan culture.

How to apply

You cannot apply yourself. Members of the Swedish fandom community submit nominations to the foundation. The foundation reviews these and then puts the shortlisted candidates to a public vote by the fans. The winner is announced at a major Swedish science fiction convention. If, instead, you have a specific fan project, the Foundation also awards separate cultural grants (approximately 5,000 to 35,000 SEK, approximately 500 to 3,500 EUR). To apply for this, you must submit a written application to the Foundation.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a one-off, prestigious award presented annually to one person in recognition of their lifetime’s work – not a grant that you can simply apply for. It is not something you should strive for. If you have been actively and visibly involved in the Swedish science fiction fan community for many years, others may nominate you. If, on the other hand, you have a specific project in mind, the separate cultural grants are far easier to obtain, as you can apply for them directly and the foundation awards several of these every year.