ÅLANDSBANKEN 100 v.
Funding Call 2019
up to €500 000
This year is the Bank of Åland’s 100th anniversary, and we will be funding projects for Baltic Sea conservation with up to €0.5 million. This is now the fifth annual funding call
– join the success stories from previous years and apply for funding for your own project!
The application period for the funding call 2019 of Baltic Sea Project has ended. A huge thanks to all the applicants!
JURY members
Karl-Johan Lehtinen
Senior Manager Environmental Affairs, Nordic Environment Finance Corporation NEFCO (retired)
I was born in the heart of the Archipelago Sea and I’ve always remained in close proximity to the sea. To me, a living archipelago is one that’s populated year round and where tradition meets the modern in daily life. The archipelagic ecosystem that outside visitors see today would not exist without people living in the archipelago. That’s why it’s important for our future to support new ideas that lead to lasting solutions.
JURY members
Anne-Maria Salonius
Head of Finnish Business Area, Bank of Åland
The sea is an element that I love. Sailing is a way for me to wind down and enjoy nature while being at sea. There I’m totally at home and I could not think of a better way to spend the summer. I want to contribute to preserving the Baltic Sea for future generations. The Baltic Sea needs our help, and we can help if we work together.
JURY members
Lotta Nummelin
CEO, The Baltic Sea Foundation
As a kid, I remember lying on the dock at our summer cottage and peering through the boards to see the perch swimming underneath. That was the moment that awakened my interest in the sea. At university I dreamed of rescuing large marine mammals, but I ended up doing my master’s thesis on the smallest living things in the sea, phytoplankton. Since then my work has involved the Baltic Sea whether I’ve worked in universities or NGOs, in the public sector or like now in a foundation.
JURY members
Alf Norkko
Professor of Baltic Sea research, Tvärminne Zoological Station, University of Helsinki
Alf Norkko is a professor of Baltic Sea research at the University of Helsinki’s Tvärminne Zoological Station. Alf’s research interests include seafloor biodiversity, the relationship between ecosystem function and biodiversity, recovery ecology and ecosystem resilience. The eutrophication of the Baltic Sea and the resulting lack of oxygen have been the through lines of his research.
The Baltic Sea Project improves the state of Baltic Sea by funding good ideas and inspiring people into action
At the Bank of Åland, we want to set an example to other actors around the Baltic Sea and remind people that everybody can do their share to help the situation. Supporting environmental projects has been a part of the Bank of Åland’s activities since 1997. To date we have supported environmental work with €2.3 million.

What can I do
to help the Baltic Sea?
The Baltic Sea Card
The Baltic Sea Card is
the credit and debit card for
the enivironmentally conscious consumer.
Åland Index
The Åland Index calculates the environmental impact of your consuming habits based on your card usage.
Environmental tips
How to make choices that are better for the environment and help the Baltic Sea?
Take a look at our practical tips!
Funding recipients 2018
In 2018 we gabe out a total of €300k in funding.
€9,5k
BagIt
Bagit is developing a durable paper bag to replace plastic bags.
€50k
Solar Foods
Solar Foods makes food out of carbon dioxide, renewable electricity and minerals without the use of agriculture or water emissions.
€65k
Button Program ry
The non-profit, open map service provided by the Button Program helps landowners protect the Baltic Sea and the climate more effectively.
€17,5k
Helsingin Montessori School
The children of Helsinki Montessori School study the Baltic Sea in an experimental setting.
€90k
Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association
The Clean Beach program by Keep the Archipelago Tidy collects and provides information on the amount of litter on seashores and above all encourages people to join the clean-up effort.
€33k
The Finnish Organic Association
The Finnish Organic Association trains farmers on how to turn their fields into carbon sinks and prevent nutrient loading.
€10k
Ålands Natur & Miljö r.f.
Ålands Natur & Miljö (The Åland Society for Nature and Environment) coordinates cleanup efforts on the shores of Åland - all together for a litter-free island!