Founded in 2002, the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation supports research in medicine, technology, and economics, as well as the arts, culture, and other initiatives that benefit society. In May 2026, the Foundation reached a significant milestone: the total value of grants awarded exceeded €500 million.
Artists' Association of Finland is exploring the possibility of merging its member organizations. Similar discussions are also taking place among music institutes. Behind these conversations lies growing concern about the vitality of small organizations at a time when resources are being cut.
A general foundation can also be a significant funder of environmental work. Over the past three years, approximately a quarter of the grants, €30 million in all, awarded by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation have been allocated to projects for a more sustainable future.
Multidisciplinary research is increasingly a necessity since solving humanity’s biggest problems requires a broad spectrum of expertise. Initiating research that cuts across traditional disciplines can be laborious but over time it usually generates both funding and results.