Frequently Asked Questions

In Finland, there are about 2,800 registered foundations, of which 800 are endowment foundations that distribute grants and funding for public benefit, supporting areas such as science, art and culture. The remaining 2,000 are operating foundations, focused on running specific services such as elder care facilities or daycare centers. The Åbo Akademi University foundation is an endowment foundation.

A foundation manages en endowment dedicated to a purpose defined by its founder. Its operations are governed by statutes that specify the foundation’s mission, the methods for achieving it, and the guidelines for its management.

A foundation is required to operate solely in pursuit of its designated purpose. The board is responsible for ensuring prudent asset management. Additionally, a foundation’s activities are regulated by the Foundation Act, among other guidelines.

A foundations has no owner, setting it apart from entities like limited companies. Additionally, a foundation has no members.

The Åbo Akademi University Foundation manages its capital strategically to maximise returns. Grants are distributed from the returns generated by these invested assets, while the principal remains intact. The better the investments, the greater the available funds for distribution. Our goal is to achieve a long-term annual real return of four percent on the capital, with a distribution rate of three percent.

We distribute grants and support solely from the returns generated by our investments, not from the capital itself. Our aim is to ensure steady funding, even though investment returns can fluctuate significantly from year to year.

Making a donation to us is a way to contribute to something you consider essential for the development of society. To continue supporting the Åbo Akademi University and the Finland-Swedish cultural sector at our current level, we rely on new donations.

Our administrative model includes a delegation of 20 to 50 members, a board, and a CEO responsible for daily operations. The delegation members serve without compensation. To promote transparency in our work, we publish an annual report in digital format.

Read more about our rental apartments in Swedish: Hyreslägenheter.

Certain spaces at the Sibelius Museum are available for rent. Learn more about the rental options in Swedish: Sibeliusmuseums utrymmen.

You can visit the Observatory through Digimuseo. Guided tours for small groups (10-25 people) are available upon request, subject to availability. For inquiries, please contact stiftelsen@stiftelsenabo.fi.