“Donor support becoming increasingly important for Hanken”
“By supporting Hanken, you reinforce our position as Finland’s only standalone business school, promote the education of future business graduates, and contribute to research that has real impact on society. A donation to Hanken is, in many ways, an investment that benefits society as a whole,” says Mira Aarnivuo, alumni relations and fundraising manager at Hanken.
Universities in Finland are funded through a combination of government support, research funding, donations and their own income.
“State funding remains the largest income source, but its share has fallen to below 60 per cent. As government funding decreases, donations are playing av even more important role for Hanken’s operations,” Aarnivuo explains.
Top quality education
Donations to Hanken are directed to the donation fund, where the capital is invested. A share of the portfolio’s returns supports Hanken’s core activities and today accounts for just over ten per cent of the university’s annual budget — a proportion that continues to grow. Since 2009, around €40 million has been raised through donations, and with prudent management and state matching campaigns, the endowment now totals approximately €180 million.
“We are fortunate to have this capital, since without it, Hanken would not hold the position it has today — an internationally recognised institution with prestigious accreditations and toplevel education,” Aarnivuo notes.
Possibility to donate at any time
Over the years, nearly 2,000 individuals and more than 260 organisations have donated to Hanken, and Aarnivuo expresses her gratitude to all. She emphasises that much of Hanken’s activities would not be possible without donated funds.
“When you donate, you support the whole of Hanken and what makes us unique, for example, our ability to offer every student the opportunity to go on exchange. Donations also enable us to invest in teaching, our facilities, and Hanken’s development in line with our strategic goals.”
Aarnivuo stresses that it is possible to donate even when there is no active fundraising campaign.
“Every donation is a vote of confidence in Hanken, a sign of support and engagement. Both large and small contributions are welcome — all donations have an impact.”
A lifelong connection with Hanken
Hanken honorary doctor and alum Henrik Andersin is among those who have chosen to donate.
“I enjoy maintaining my connection with the School. For me, Hanken has become a lifelong relationship,” says Andersin, who also serves on the Hanken Support Foundation.
He hopes the next fundraising campaign will directly benefit the student union and its premises, Casa Academica, which is in quite poor condition.
“A vibrant student union is incredibly important. It creates a community that lasts for many, many years after graduation. Early in my career, all my contacts and clients were Hanken alumni. That was immensely valuable,” Andersin says.
He stresses that it is not enough for the union to have an office on campus. There must also be a venue for events, as that is where people meet.
“We must not lose this. Hanken cannot become just a place where you attend lectures.”
Hanken provided a strong basis
Andersin is one of the founders of the asset management company Evli and founder and chair of the board of the investment company Scripo. He is grateful for the basis that Hanken gave him.
“I appreciate that I learned what I needed to become a banker. Hanken also gave me social confidence. For example, I found it easy to meet clients early in my career. The international aspect came naturally, as much of the teaching at Hanken was in English.”
What Andersin values most about Hanken today is its independence.
“I greatly appreciate that Hanken is an independent institution and has not been merged into another university. That is something worth preserving.”
Text: Jessica Gustafsson
Photos: Gustaf Hafström and Evli
Donate to Hanken
You can donate online, directly to Hanken’s donation account, or via MobilePay. Learn more: hanken.fi/donate.