Did You Know...

...that Finland has been named the world's happiest country for the sixth consecutive year? 

The announcement was made on March 20, the International Day of Happiness.

You can learn about the selection methods and criteria and see the full rankings at the World Happiness Report website;

click here.

"Nordic Leadership & Happiness" is the theme of a free seminar that took place on April 19 in Los Angeles, and is now available online.

Learn how Nordic business leaders apply happiness practices to create a productive and engaging work culture.

This program received a grant from FFN.

Click below:

Vappu Greetings

Happy May Day!

And soon, Happy Mother's Day! The first third of the year has flown by.

FFN trustees met in Florida for a very productive spring board meeting and 70th anniversary celebrations, March 31- April 2 in Boynton Beach.

We were warmly welcomed by Finlandia Foundation Florida and FinnsConnect South Florida chapters, and enjoyed meeting many in the Finnish-American community at functions on Friday and Saturday evenings. We also had a chance to visit the historic Suomi Talo hall.

The meeting agenda included board approval of $123,000 in grants to 34 applicants for projects in research, entertainment, historic preservation, the arts and more. In addition, 29 students will share scholarships totaling $66,000.

There has been a great deal of interest in the fate of the cultural heritage assets at Finlandia University as it prepares to close its doors. Since the university's March 2nd announcement, the FFN task force dedicated to our "Saving Finland in America" project has been busy. Their work entails securing the archives, collections and artifacts and the operation of The Finnish American Reporter, the art and war museums, North Wind Books store and the Finnish American Folk School.

From across the U.S. and Finland, the outpouring of concern for keeping these treasures together and expressions of confidence in our efforts have been gratifying. We know that this is the role for Finlandia Foundation, and we appreciate your support.

We will share progress reports as we have news about the project.

Anne-Mari Paster

President

president@finlandiafoundation.org



MARK YOUR CALENDAR

April 30: Salolampi Language Village grant application deadline; click here

July 26-30: FinnFest USA 2023 in Duluth; click here

September 1: Performer of the Year 2024 application deadline; click here

October 1: Lecturer of the Year 2024 application deadline; click here

October 1: Lindfors Law Scholarship application deadline; click here

2024

January 17: Grant application deadline; click here

February 1: Scholarship application deadline; click here

February 18-24: National Sauna Week; click here

October 1: Lindfors Law Scholarship application deadline; click here

University of Helsinki Alumni

Are you an alumni of University of Helsinki? Are you living in the United States and interested in reconnecting with your alma mater? Finlandia Foundation National is happy to make the connection!

There are lots of reasons to join an alumni network. Exchanging ideas, finding old connections, and making new ones are just a few. To check out the website click here.

New York City-based alumni are invited to a meet-up hosted by the University at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 10 at The Winslow, a British-style gin bar and eatery. For details and to RSVP for the informal event click here.