The Finnish Forest Foundation

Learn more about the Finnish Forest Foundation.

The Purpose of the Finnish Forest Foundation

The Finnish Forest Foundation was established in 1995 through cooperation between forest owners, the forest industry, the sawmill industry, and Metsähallitus. Many other stakeholders whose livelihoods depend on forestry have since joined. Various parties involved in timber transactions contribute to the fundraising of the Finnish Forest Foundation.

The Finnish Forest Foundation acts as an advocate for the forest sector. As stated in its statutes, the Foundation’s purpose is to support scientific research in forestry, promote the use of forests and forest‑based products—particularly wood products—and to safeguard the operating conditions of forestry in Finland.

What the Finnish Forest Foundation does

The Finnish Forest Foundation awards grants for public benefit purposes in research, development, and communication. The Foundation is a non‑profit organisation and does not fund business activities, the marketing of individual companies or products, or product development. Below we present the main themes of our grant funding:

Forest Education for Children and Young People

The Finnish Forest Foundation supports forest education for children and young people. Through our funding, schoolchildren are offered opportunities to learn about forests through hands‑on experiences and to strengthen their connection to nature and forests. The aim is to increase understanding of the diverse importance of forests and the range of opportunities offered by the forest sector.

Engaging Decision-Makers in Forest-Related Issues

The Finnish Forest Foundation promotes forest‑related knowledge among decision‑makers by funding training and communication content that highlights the importance of the forest sector in society. The aim of this work is to support evidence‑based decision‑making and to strengthen understanding of the role of the forest sector, wood‑based solutions, and domestic forestry.

Supporting Research and Science in the Forest Sector

The Finnish Forest Foundation funds research that advances the forest sector and supports the dissemination and practical application of research knowledge. We support projects that increase understanding of sustainability in the forest sector, its economic impacts, and future solutions. The aim is to strengthen a reliable knowledge base for the long‑term development of the sector.

Forest Nature Projects

The Finnish Forest Foundation awards grants for forest nature projects that promote biodiversity and support climate action. Funding is allocated, among other things, to restoration efforts, habitat improvement, and the development of the ecological condition of forests. The aim is to strengthen the well‑being and long‑term vitality of forest ecosystems.

The Finnish Forest Foundation is a member of the Association of Finnish Foundations and Funds and is committed to adhering to good foundation practice.

Martta Fredrikson, Managing Director, Finnish Forest Foundation