Application Process
What is the scope of the Stena Foundation?
The Sten A Olsson Foundation for Research and Culture focuses on projects, activities, and businesses based in Gothenburg and the western region of Sweden. The Foundation accepts applications for financial support and grants within the realms of Research and Culture. In addition to this, projects that promote integration and inclusion/participation in society and in cultural contexts qualify for Foundation support. The duration of a grant is generally no longer than three years, but there have been some exceptions where support has been provided for a longer period. Generally speaking, grants are only awarded to legal entities, however not to commercial companies, nor to private individuals.
With regard to the Cultural sphere, the Foundation mainly supports projects that represent new initiatives, that will promote long-term development, or that will produce a significant increase in quality. The intent of the Foundation is to limit support measures to an introductory phase.
The Stena Foundation Culture Scholarships
It is not possible to apply for the Stena Foundation Culture Scholarships. The Foundation has its own review and nomination process where the final candidates are recommended by the Donation Advisory Board and are finalized by the Board of Directors.
Types of support
In addition to projects in the areas of Research and Culture, the Foundation also provides grants for visiting professors.
In addition to this, the Foundation provides:
- Travel scholarships for masters-level students enrolled at universities in Gothenburg. Applications are to be filed through the school the students attend.
- Scholarships for students enrolled at the School of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of Gothenburg for Chamber of Commerce trainee programmes in London or San Francisco. Applications are to be filed through the School of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of Gothenburg.
Not eligible for support
Not all research projects are eligible for support from the Stena Foundation, for example those deemed to be better suited to be supported by governmental funding bodies like the Swedish Research Council. Financial support and grants are generally not awarded for studies at the masters or PhD level, with the exception of the previously specified scholarships. This applies for studies in Sweden and abroad. The Foundation does not award support for study trips, conferences or publication.
Who can apply?
Cultural institutions
Independent cultural professionals and groups
Institutes of learning, educators, and schools
Organisations and societies
Who can apply?
Researchers with a PhD who are affiliated with a university in western Sweden
How do I apply?
The first stage when applying for financial support from the Stena Foundation is to submit a pre-proposal consisting of a 1 to 2-page (A4-format) outline that describes your project in brief. The Foundation will request a full application if they find your outline to be of interest.
The outline is to include the following categories:
- An introduction – A summary of the project and the sums involved that is brief, and to the point.
- Presentation of the organisation and its activities – A short background
- Objectives – What is the significance of this project?
- Realisation – How will this project be realised? Who is in charge? What is the timetable/plan?
- Projected effects and outcome – What are the expected results?
- What difference would a contribution from the Stena Foundation do?
- Has the organisation applied for or received support previously for this project. If so, who provided it, and what amount?
- Budget – An overview of the budget that includes costs, income, and any other financing
Additional information for research projects
The Stena Foundation encourages multi-disciplinary research projects. Outlines for research projects should also include the following information: the scientific purpose; the research inquiry; the method and plan; and the impact or significance of the project.
With regard to overhead, the Foundation will only accept rates no greater than 20% which are also to be clearly specified in the application. All applications for research support are to be approved and signed by the CFO of the project, who is generally the department head or the president of the university.
Admission dates and size of grant or donation
The Stena Foundation accepts applications throughout the year. There are no set limits to the amount you can apply for, though the Foundation will assess each individual project to determine a reasonable support level. Previously awarded grants provide an indication of the interests of the Foundation and the amounts involved.
Language
The Foundation accepts applications in Swedish and English.
Submission and contact info
Send questions about details pertaining to our financial support and grants to the email address below.
Send outlines and proposals to info@stenastiftelsen.se