More than two million euros have been donated to the Olympic Fund to help build the future of Finnish sports. With the achievement of this first milestone, the government will provide the previously agreed-upon matching funds, which will increase the Olympic Fund’s capital to over four million euros.
This marks a significant milestone in building a long-term funding base for Finnish sports. The Olympic Fund’s operating model is based on preserving the donated capital and distributing support solely from investment returns.
– This is a strong indication that Finnish society recognizes the need to develop long-term funding solutions for sports. A capital base of over four million enables significant support for Finnish sports, says Lauri Inna, chairman of the Finnish Sports Foundation.
The goal of the Olympic Fund is to build a permanent endowment for Finnish sports, the returns from which can be used to support physical activity among children and young people, sports clubs, and competitive sports from one decade to the next.
Aktia manages the Olympic Fund’s assets. The average annual return on investments to date has been approximately nine percent, which strengthens the Fund’s ability to increase the annual support allocated to sports while preserving capital for future generations.
– The Olympic Fund is neither a one-time project nor a temporary support program. We are building a lasting foundation for Finnish sports. Every donation leaves a mark that will still be visible decades from now, explains Lauri Inna.
The Olympic Fund has already begun distributing grants. The first grants to young athletes and sports clubs were awarded in early 2026, and the fund aims to increase the amount of grants distributed each year as its capital grows.
The government has committed to doubling the donations collected by the Olympic Fund through the end of 2027, up to a maximum of 20 million euros.
For more information
Perttu Pajukoski, representative of the Finnish Sports Support Foundation
phone +358 50 329 1228 or perttu.pajukoski@olympiakomitea.fi
The text has been translated with the help of AI.