|
Greetings!
Did you know that in Finnish, loka means "mud" or "dirt"? The month "lokakuu" (October) likely gets its name from the muddy, wet conditions typical of autumn in Finland—and perhaps a few places in the U.S. too! But while the "muddy" season may be upon us, Finlandia Foundation continues to move forward with a clear vision and a sturdy pair of boots.
This season, we are finalizing our strategic plan, which will serve as our guiding North Star for the years ahead. We’re excited to share it with you! This roadmap of goals and areas for growth and outreach is a clear marker of Finlandia Foundation National’s expanding reach and deepening impact within Finnish-American communities and beyond. If anything, we're trekking through fertile ground toward an even brighter future.
The influx of support, coupled with our extended stewardship of the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan, is just one of the many ways we’re solidifying our foundation. As stewards of such a rich history, we’re not only preserving it—we’re making it. Our collective efforts were recognized in Finland when we were honored with the prestigious Expatriate of the Year award, a testament to our community's success in raising $5.5 million to support our mission for the Saving Finland in America campaign.
| |
|
Along with all of this impressive growth comes challenges. The buildings in Hancock are in need of some repairs, and the Archive is bursting at the seams. We will also need to hire additional staff whose contributions will greatly enhance our working capacity to fulfill our mission with our many new resources.
But as we Finns, Finnish-Americans, and friends of Finland know, a little mud never stopped us before. And with your continued support, we'll traverse any bog, swamp, or mire that comes our way. Onward we go, with sisu.
All the best,
Tommy Flanagan
Executive Director
thomas.flanagan@
finlandiafoundation.org
| |
A swamp in Leivonmäki National Park in Finland, with pitkospuut (long wooden boards) lining the swampy trail. | |
Calling all chapter affiliates of Finlandia Foundation National!
Calling all Fulbright Finland grantees and alumni in the United States!
| | |
|
|
Are you interested in connecting with Finnish Fulbright scholars in your area and gaining a glimpse into modern Finland and Finnish culture? Looking to create and foster relationships with locally-based returned American Fulbrighters?
Join us for the Finlandia Foundation National/Fulbright Finland Foundation Virtual Networking Event for a chance to meet, share about the work that your chapter does, and connect on one of our favorite topics, the Finnish-American connection!
| | |
Welcome new Young Leaders Board (YLB) members! | |
Welcoming New Young Leaders
The Finlandia Foundation National (FFN) Young Leaders Board (YLB), founded in 2021, is a dynamic group of volunteers aged 23 to 35 who share a passion for Finnish-American culture and Finland. With members bringing diverse skills from across the U.S.—from finance to marketing—the YLB works to build community, foster networking, and develop engaging programs. Regularly collaborating with FFN trustees, they provide fresh insights to help guide both current and future initiatives, all while promoting Finnish heritage and contemporary Finland.
We are deeply grateful to the inaugural cohort of YLB members, whose dedication and hard work laid the foundation for the board’s success. As we say goodbye in the next few months to Mirva Johnson, Mikko McFeely, Anya Peck, and Lauren Tuiskula, we are thrilled to welcome the newest members of our third cohort.
A warm welcome to Alex Clegg, Anna Laine, Aura-Maria Moore, Gage (Touko) Keränen, Kayleigh Karinen, Molly Tynjala, and Niina Baum! We look forward to the continued growth and impact of the YLB.
| | | |
|
Join us on Wednesday, November 13, at the Embassy of Finland for the annual Young Leaders Forum: "Productive Sustainability."
This engaging event, co-hosted by Finlandia Foundation National and the Embassy of Finland, will feature a sustainability panel discussing global climate solutions through curiosity, communication, and co-creation. Highlighting Finland's circular economy, experts including cleantech founders and policymakers will share practical strategies for sustainable progress. Network with like-minded professionals and explore how people, planet, and profit can co-create a thriving world. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the dialogue!
| |
Catch them while you can! 2024 Artist, Performer, and Lecturer of the Year | |
|
LECTURER OF THE YEAR
Recent event with Hanna Pylväinen in:
🇫🇮 Sonoma, CA: Finlandia Foundation Lecturer of the Year Hanna Pylväinen discussed her book The End of
Drum-Time at the Finish American Home Association (FAHA) in Sonoma, California on Saturday, October 19 before an enthusiastic audience.
| |
|
PERFORMER OF THE YEAR
Catch multitalented actor, comedian, musician and filmmaker Miska Kajanus in:
🇫🇮 Troy, NH: FinnFunn Weekend from Oct. 26th and 27th, click here.
🇫🇮 Bellingham, WA: Finlandia Foundation Suomi Chapter's 24th Annual Nordic Festival in on Nov. 16th, click here.
| Miska Kajanus performed last weekend at House of Finland in San Diego, bringing his humor and Finnishness to the sunny California coast! | |
|
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Catch artist Eric Aho in:
🇫🇮 New York City, NY: "Eric Aho: Wild Meadow" gallery exhibit runs Oct. 4 through Nov. 9.
A short film on Eric Aho's work created by Joel Gardner was recently released.
| |
2nd ANNUAL
NATIONAL SAUNA WEEK POSTER ART CONTEST
UPCOMING DEADLINE: Nov 1, 2024
| | |
|
OPEN APPLICATIONS!
November 1: National Sauna Week Poster Art Contest deadline; click here
Coming Soon:
Scholarships & Grants: Application period opens in November
Deadlines: Grants Jan 17, 2025 | Scholarships Feb 1, 2025
4th National Sauna Week: February 16-22, 2025
| |
|
This is a story you do not want to miss!
Watch out for our next email about the Finnish Settlers' Monument and the important task of giving it a new home!
| |
A view into Finland as the season gets muddy. Mushrooms love popping up around this time of year. But be careful not to eat this one! | |
|
Is planned giving in your future?
Join the Finlandia Legacy Society today!
| |
Our legacy is our people. What’s yours? Learn more about our Finlandia Legacy Society by emailing: office@finlandiafoundation.org | | | | |
