Public and private support

At Aalto, we develop solutions that help make the world a better place for everyone. Today’s students are tomorrow’s professionals. We must already respond to the future shortage of skilled experts and ensure education that equips young people with the tools they need to succeed. At the same time, we are strengthening Finland’s competitiveness and position in global markets.

Donations play a vital role in securing the university’s financial sustainability. Education and research cannot be compromised, as solving the world’s major challenges requires new talent and innovation.

The Ministry of Education and Culture provides universities with basic public funding, which is used to support both education and research. However, this funding alone cannot cover all costs. At Aalto University, for example, the ministry’s contribution accounts for roughly 50 % of our annual expenses. The remaining share is covered through project funding, grants from the Academy of Finland and various foundations, as well as support from companies and private donors.

The relative importance of donations continues to grow each year, especially as public funding becomes an increasing subject of political debate.

Aalto’s basic public funding has, in real terms, decreased by more than one-third since 2010 — the year the university was founded.

Donating for results

We don’t raise funds primarily for the university itself, but for a successful and sustainable shared future.

The success of both our university and our society depends on people — the makers and doers — and on our community. Each of us has a role to play in this whole. Could you take part in writing the next chapter of our shared success story? Even a small contribution grows large when many take part.

Our goal is to make Aalto a global leader in sustainable innovation and to secure the sustainable development of society. Donations play a vital role in achieving this.

By donating to Aalto University, you support:

1. High-quality research that develops sustainable solutions to global challenges
2. The education of future change-makers
3. The renewal of society through creativity, entrepreneurship, and research-based knowledge.

Research and education need all the support they can get

The university’s core operations are secured, but we have a responsibility to ensure high-quality education for future generations as well.

We maintain an active dialogue with various societal actors – foundations, organizations, and companies – about donations, shared responsibility, and societal impact. As part of our broader mission and networks, we also aim to strengthen the culture of giving among alumni and other individuals.

The fundamental answer to the question “Why donate to a university?” is simple: research and education need all the support they can get. For example, the challenges of climate change will be solved in three ways – through consumer choices, governmental action, and breakthroughs in science and technology.

Donations support the latter. A donation is an investment in a better future.

A long-term commitment

Donations are part of the university’s increasingly diversified funding base, which includes government funding, competitive research grants, and corporate partnerships, for example.

Together, these funding sources create a more stable financial foundation and ensure the university’s ability to work for the long-term benefit of society.

Research is a long-term endeavor – not every brilliant idea turns into a groundbreaking innovation. Experimental research and development take time and are therefore costly. Major breakthroughs are often preceded by years – even decades – of fundamental research. Progress requires patience and sustained commitment.

The next generation of business leaders, technology pioneers, multidisciplinary experts, and system-level problem solvers build their skills over years of study, active participation in organizations, gaining international experience, and boldly testing their hypotheses and entrepreneurial ideas.

By donating, support development and developers

To ensure our common welfare and build a sustainable future, we invite our community, alumni and other stakeholders, you, to show concrete support: let's proclaim our students and researchers that we stand as a community beside them.