Finnish Literature into Nordic Languages

Applicants may request grants to cover translation expenses for works which have been published in Finland and translated directly from Finnish or Finland-Swedish into other Nordic languages and for the translation of Finland-Swedish literature into Finnish (NB. grants for the translation of Nordic literature into Finnish are available from the other Nordic literature information centres.) Grants will not be awarded retroactively for previously published translations.

Prose, poetry, literature for children and young people, drama, comics, anthologies and magazines are all eligible to apply for funding. For non-fiction, grants may be awarded for works dealing with the humanities and Finnish culture. Translation grants are not applicable to scientific or academic publications, dissertations, textbooks or dictionaries.

The FILI advisory board decides on all funding allocation. Applicants will be notified of grant decisions in writing within two months after the end of the application period. Grant awards remain valid for 24 months.

Grant applicants

Nordic publishing houses and literary magazines may apply for grants to cover translation costs. Finnish publishers may apply for grants to cover the costs of translating Finland-Swedish literature into Finnish. Grants will be awarded in amounts up to but not exceeding the agreed translator's fee. If the publisher has already paid the translator’s fee, the translation grant will be paid directly to the publisher.

Translation grants are awarded with the stipulation that the translator has professional experience. If the translator is a Finn, an expert whose native language is the target language must be consulted throughout the translation process.

Application period

The annual deadlines for online grant applications are 1st April and 1st November each year. Applications and all relevant attachments must arrive at FILI by the final application deadline. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required attachments

The application must be accompanied by

• a copy of the signed contract between the Nordic publisher and the Finnish copyright holder

• a copy of the signed contract between the Nordic publisher and the translator

• First-time applicants are also asked to submit the translator’s CV and general information on the publishing house.

All attachments must arrive at FILI by the deadline.

Grant terms

Translation grants will be paid when the publisher has delivered five copies of the finished publication to FILI.

The translated book must include mention of the grant awarded by Nordic Council of Ministers and a logo. The logo should be visible on the book cover, or on the last page of a paperback version.