Mission statement
Finland Center Foundation (FCF) is the meeting point of Finnish and American culture, commerce and community. FCF supports the activities of Finnish-American organizations in the greater New York area, and Finnish values globally, in the present and for generations to come.
Vision
At FCF we strongly believe that no nation can fully celebrate its heritage unless its citizens are able to enjoy peace, human rights, relative prosperity, and most importantly, equality between men and women. Finland not only safeguards these rights among its citizens, but has become known for promoting these values through its peacekeeping and aid work in different parts of the world. Finland has also stood out for decades as one of the best places in the world to be a woman, and as most people know, the happiest country in the world for many years in a row.
Finland Center’s vision is to continue to promote these values with the help of Finnish culture in New York City. FCF believes that working on the global arena for these values is one of Finland’s most important contributions to world culture, and our values should also be promoted in a visible manner in New York City, where the world’s cultures intersect. In addition, a very important function of our organization is simply to get together in person to have a chance to speak our own language(s) and mingle and network with other Finns and friends for Finland.
Going forward
Now housed at Kota Nest, FCF continues to do what we do best: bring our volunteers, interns from Finland, and showcase musicians and artists, etc. to share their talents in New York City. We like arranging events and fundraisers, and welcome the involvement of all individuals and entities with a similar outlook wishing to join us in this endeavor. We are open to people of all genders and nationalities, who consider themselves Friends of Finland. We speak English at our events, but you might hear some Finnish or Swedish.
“Having grown up in Finland, and then spending a larger portion of my life in New York City, I appreciate both cultures and value what we can learn from each other. I feel privileged to be able to contribute to deepened communications between the two by volunteering for this organization in fun and creative ways. If you feel the same, join us!”
The Kota Alliance
The Kota Alliance started out as an initiative of Finland Center Foundation (FCF) and has now emerged as a hub in West Harlem in its own building, the Kota Nest, where it focuses on empowering women through arts and culture, championing gender equity and holistic wellness. It is registered as a separate entity in New York State, and has received 501c3 status from the IRS. We encourage you to get involved and support its work!
