The aim of the Icelandic-Finnish Cultural Foundation is to promote relations and cultural exchange between Finland and Iceland and to increase the countries’ mutual awareness and knowledge.

The Foundation provides grants and scholarships to support projects in different sectors of society and cultural life. These are available to professionals, amateurs, adults, and youth and child groups for co-operation in the field of art and culture, scientific research (especially in humanities and social sciences), language studies, study trips by student and pupil groups, and for learning more about one of the countries’ cultural, social and economic conditions. The Foundation prioritises projects that can introduce new themes and operators to the versatile cultural exchange between the countries.

The Icelandic-Finnish Cultural Foundation was founded in 1975, and its capital is EUR 500,000. In addition, the government of Iceland supports the Foundations grants and scholarships with an annual appropriation.

The Board of the Foundation consists of four members (two from each country) and two deputy members. The Board is jointly nominated by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. The Foundation’s Board currently consists of ombudsman Ms Ann Sandelin as Chairman and managing editor Mr Timo Ernamo, advisor Ms Áslaug Dóra Eyjólfsdóttir and architect Ms Halldóra Vífilsdóttir as members. Director Ms Gunvor Kronman is the Foundation’s Secretary General and referendary. The Foundation’s secretariat is located in the Hanasaari Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre.