The Ella and Georg Ehrnrooth Foundation was founded in 1935 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2010. During its existence, the foundation has been responsible for promoting scientific research and literature. The foundation fulfills its mission by providing grants to researchers and literary professionals, as well as to scientific institutions and establishments.
The foundation's fund consists of assets bequeathed and donated by Ella and Georg Ehrnrooth. Thanks to the positive value development of the assets of the foundation, the value of the fund has increased significantly. The foundation annually awards grants of a total sum of approximately 2 million euros.
The purpose of the foundation has been to support Finnish science and culture from the beginning. According to Ella Ehrnrooth's deed of October 26, 1935, the purpose of the foundation is "to promote scientific research and writing, and with the funds available to that effect, to assist scientists and literature, or to support scientific institutions and establishments". The operating principles of the foundation have remained the same throughout its history.
Support will be given primarily to Finnish citizens or to institutions and bodies operating in Finland, on the basis of an application addressed to the board. The board will consult experts on the distribution of the grants.
The Ella and Georg Ehrnrooth Foundation is one of four Ehrnrooth Foundations. Combined the Ehrnrooth Foundations support science, research and societal projects with approximately six million euros annually. The other foundations are:
Today, the Ehrnrooth Foundations have a combined value of over 300 million euros. Together, these foundations enable the positive development of already high-quality research in Finland to continue.