Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Finnish Cultural Foundation offers grants for publishers to translate and publish high-quality international literary works into Finnish. Funding ranges from EUR 5,000 to EUR 15,000 and covers both translation and publication costs, aiming to expand Finnish readers’ access to contemporary global literature beyond the English-speaking world.
Program Overview
This grant is designed to:
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Encourage the translation and publication of distinguished world literature into Finnish
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Support prose, lyric poetry, and essays intended for a broad adult audience
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Motivate publishers to expand their offerings and introduce Finnish readers to globally significant literary works
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Ensure translated works maintain high-quality literary standards and accessibility
Funding Details
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Grant type: Expenditure grant
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Amount: EUR 5,000 – EUR 15,000 per project
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Funding period: Up to 2 years from the award decision date
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Use of funds: Translation costs, publication costs, or both
Eligible Works
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Prose (novels, short stories, narrative non-fiction)
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Lyric poetry
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Essays aimed at adult readers interested in cultural and literary topics
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Preference is given to contemporary international works from non-English-speaking countries
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
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Registered publishing organisations within Finland
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The contact person on the application must be:
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Familiar with the project
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Available during the months following submission
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Able to log into the online system using Finnish online banking credentials
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Not eligible:
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Private individuals
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Self-employed persons under a business name
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Informal working groups of private individuals
How to Apply
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Prepare project details including the literary work, translation plan, publication timeline, and budget
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Submit the application online through the Finnish Cultural Foundation portal
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Ensure the contact person is available for follow-up and correspondence after submission
Tips for a Strong Application
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Highlight the cultural significance and quality of the original work
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Demonstrate translation feasibility and publication plan
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Emphasize how the project expands access to international literature for Finnish readers
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Include clear and realistic budget estimates for translation and publication costs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting applications for works already in Finnish translation
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Applying as an individual or unregistered entity
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Failing to provide a realistic timeline or budget
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Not ensuring the contact person is available and capable of accessing the online system
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply?
Registered publishing organisations in Finland; individuals and informal groups are not eligible.
2. What works are eligible?
Prose, lyric poetry, and essays intended for a broad adult audience, preferably contemporary works from non-English-speaking countries.
3. How much funding is available?
EUR 5,000 to EUR 15,000, covering translation and publication costs.
4. How long is the funding period?
Up to two years from the grant decision date.
5. Can self-published works or individual authors apply?
No, only registered publishing organisations are eligible.
6. What is required from the contact person?
They must be familiar with the project, available post-submission, and able to log in using Finnish online banking credentials.
7. Can the grant be used for multiple works?
Each application should focus on one specific work, with the possibility of submitting separate applications for additional works.
Conclusion
The Translating World Literature into Finnish grant supports Finnish publishers in bringing high-quality international literature to Finnish readers. By funding translation and publication, the program enhances access to global literary voices, strengthens cultural exchange, and ensures that world literature reaches a broader audience in Finland.
For more information, visit Finnish Cultural Foundation.
