For our island
community
The funds we generate through gaming is distributed to projects and organisations that enrich everyday life on the Ålands Islands. Every year the Government of Åland receives hundreds of applications for grants and loans for the funding of projects, investments, events and activities. These initiatives enrich our archipelago with sports, culture and art. They also help maintain a safe and clean environment.
Stories from the beneficiaries
Prehistoric society Fibula
Early 2018 saw the ínaugruation of the new timber building of the prehistoric society Fornföreningen Fibula in Vikingabyn. Built with hand-hewn 9-meter beams from Bolstaholm, the exterior of the building resonates the same Iron Age feeling as the rest of the village, While the interior comprises of modern facilities adequate for holding courses all year round. The association is hoping…
Safety and companionship at sea
Ålands sjöräddningssällskap Work in the rescue services can be tough and demanding. On an everyday basis it involves drills, preventive work and assignments that are not in themselves dangerous. Åland’s Sea Rescue Company has six stations and approximately 120 active members of staff who carry out around 100 assignments every year in the waters around Åland. The activity is…
Motion for life
Folkhälsan på Åland Folkhälsan on Åland is a local association with the basic aim of contributing to a better quality of everyday life and health. In the association’s Allaktivitetshus, or activity house, there is housing available for the elderly providing services and activities. One example is sitting aerobics, which is suitable for those whose bodies are no longer in…
Work on your own terms
Fixtjänst In the employment market there are lots of people searching to fit in. People who need a place where they feel needed and important. Fixtjänst is a workshop enterprise for people with disabilities, who work as much or as little as they can manage and at their own pace for extended periods or just occasionally. The workshop…
Half a century of the volunteer coastguard
Breakdowns, vessels running aground, ambulance services, repairs, sea search operations– regardless of the weather the coastguard are ready to help, provide assistance and carry out rescue operations in local waters. Ålands Sjöräddningssällskap was founded in 1965 when a number of people involved in the Åland shipping industry took over the local coast guard which had previously been under Finnish control.…
A colorful lighthouse continues to shine
When the association Regnbågsfyren (en. Rainbow Lighthouse) was established on Åland in 2004, it was hard to imagine that ten years later 1,500 people would parade through the streets of Mariehamn in support of the local hbtq community. Though Åland Pride and the Pride parade are the most visible achievements of the association, much of the most important work is…
A joyful pet project
A hand strokes the fur, a soft nose pokes at the fingers. A voice that has been quiet wants to speak again. A smile appears in an absent face. It may only be a small miracle that is happening but it’s a miracle all the same. The Red Cross’s Friendship Dogs bring a little life to an otherwise often uneventful…
Beneficiaries during 2017
The €15 million generated by Paf during 2016 was distributed during 2017 to over 300 beneficiaries. Read more about the allocation process.