Svenska folkskolans vänner r.f. (SFV) supports Swedish-language education, culture, and liberal/non-formal learning in Finland, with a clear focus on strengthening the Swedish-speaking community in Svenskfinland. Its giving mixes small, practical reimbursements for study circles and courses with broader general grants for projects, partnerships, prizes, and initiatives that build capacity among Swedish- or bilingual organizations. SFV also appears to back literary, publishing, and educational infrastructure through long-term collaborations and affiliated institutions.
Focus Areas
Swedish-Language Education in FinlandNon-Formal Adult LearningStudy Circles and Civic EducationSwedish-Finnish Literary and Publishing CultureCapacity Building for Swedish/Bilingual AssociationsCultural and Community Infrastructure in Svenskfinland
Giving Approach
Mixed grantmaking: year-round general project grants reviewed in four rounds, plus highly structured program grants for study circles and cooperative courses. Small circle grants reimburse up to €100 per group, while course grants cover 50% of approved costs up to a set hourly ceiling; some awards and residencies are also given through partnerships and prizes.
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How to approach this funder
Check whether your project strengthens Swedish-language education, culture, or non-formal learning in Finland and fits SFV’s strategic goals. General grants can be applied for year-round, but are processed in four rounds; study circle and course applications must be registered electronically before the activity starts, with reporting due afterward. Eligible applicants are typically Swedish-speaking or bilingual associations/organizations, especially in Finland outside Åland for course grants.
Notable grantees:
• Axxell
• Svenska litteratursällskapet (SLS)
• Svensklararna i Finland r.f.
• Publicistförbundet (Finlands svenska Publicistförbund)
• Schildts & Söderströms
Open Grant Opportunities
Current and upcoming funding from Svenska folkskolans vänner r.f. that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Open nowRolling / open intake
Allmänna bidrag
utbildningvälbefinnande i utbildningenjämlikhet i utbildningen+4 more
Who can apply: Ansökare kan vara registrerade organisationer, kommuner, sammanslutningar, privatpersoner eller arbetsgrupper. Projektet ska anknyta till SFV:s stadgeenliga uppdrag och ett av de fyra målen. För projekt som riktar sig till personer med synnedsättning väljs den målgrupp som bäst motsvarar verksamheten i ansökan.
Who can apply: Kurser ska ordnas via SFV:s studiecentral och följa reglerna för statsbidrag och kursverksamhet. Den detaljerade bidragsinformationen finns på kursbidragssidan.
Non-formal learningCivic participationReading and discussion groups (book circles)
Who can apply: At least 5 participants (5 may suffice for special groups), a circle leader who registers the circle and submits reporting. Acceptable costs include materials, leader travel, external expert fees, venue rental and modest refreshments.
Deadline: Application/registration is done electronically prior to/at circle start. Reporting submitted after completion (original signed forms and receipts).
Kursbidrag för samarbetskurser (Studycentral course grants)
Adult education / lifelong learningCapacity building for associationsSwedish-language education
Who can apply: A registered Swedish- or bilingual association/organisation that cooperates with SFV's studycentre. Minimum participant numbers and other course criteria apply (e.g., at least 7 participants; special groups may require 5). Some activities (in-house staff training, commercially taxable education) are not eligible.
Deadline: Course registration must be submitted to Kurre no later than the day before course start. Reporting deadlines: within five weeks after course conclusion.
EducationCulture & artsNon-formal learning / civic education+2 more
Who can apply: Registered organisations, municipalities and associations, private persons and working groups. Projects cannot be completed before the next relevant SFV board decision date; SFV does not grant retroactive funding. Projects aimed at persons with visual impairment should be marked in the application form.
Deadline: Applications accepted year-round (free application time). Applications are processed in four rounds; SFV lists board decision dates and associated submission cutoffs. Next processing rounds include dates through 2026 (examples listed on site).
Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.