Thanks to a joint grant from five foundations, over 10,000 children and young people will have the opportunity to go on a nature excursion this spring. A total of €141,000 was awarded to support 170 excursions across Finland.
In February, TAH Foundation, Alli Paasikivi Foundation,The Foundation Brita Maria Renlunds minne, RELEX Foundation, and Urlus Foundation launched a joint grant call to fund nature excursions for groups in early childhood education, primary and secondary education. This is the third time the call for applications has been organized.
The practical implementation of the grant application process was managed by The Guides and Scouts of Finland. During the application period in March 2025, a total of 660 applications were received, out of which 170 excursions across Finland were selected for funding. With this support, over 10,000 children, young people, and accompanying adults will have the chance to experience an unforgettable day in nature. In total, €141,000 in grants was awarded.
Last year, approximately 9,000 children and young people participated in these excursions. The growing funding amount demonstrates how strongly the funders value fostering children’s and young people’s connection to nature.
“This year, more foundations collaborated to support children’s and young people’s nature excursions than last year. This enabled an increase in grants, allowing even more children and young people to experience nature. It’s a great example of how collaboration can strengthen children’s relationship with nature and their overall well-being,” says Henna Hakkarainen, Executive Director of TAH Foundation.
This year, the Alli Paasikivi Foundation joined as a new foundation partner in the collaboration.
Excursions to national Parks, birdwatching towers, and nearby islands
The supported excursions will take children and young people to a variety of nature destinations across Finland. They will explore national parks, nearby natural sites, birdwatching towers, islands, and nature trails. The funded school classes and daycare groups will choose their own destinations and activities for the excursions, which will take place in spring and autumn of this year.
During the excursions, children will admire biodiversity, observe migrating birds, and enjoy the calming effects of nature. The youngest children will take short trips during daycare hours, while high school students may embark on multi-day excursions.
The grants cover expenses such as transportation, food, and entrance fees.
“Nature excursions provide children and young people with a chance to slow down, learn, and explore together. They strengthen a sense of community and deepen understanding of nature’s diversity. Experiences like these are more important now than ever before,” says Tiina Herlin, Vice Chair of the Board at the TAH Foundation.
More information: www.partio.fi/luontoretkiavustus
Contact Information:
Henna Hakkarainen,
Executive Director, TAH Foundation,
+358 40 59 41 379
Simo Pynnönen
Finance and Administration Manager, The Guides and Scouts of Finland
+358 50 304 4044
(Especially for details on awarded grants and their regional allocation)