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Litteraturstipendiet

SWEA International's Literature Scholarship (Litteraturstipendiet) is awarded annually for research in the Swedish language, literature, and/or culture. First awarded in 1983, it has evolved to focus specifically on supporting doctoral research that promotes Swedish culture and tradition internationally. The scholarship is intended as a research grant to help well-qualified doctoral candidates complete their dissertations. Recipients are expected to contribute to SWEA's mission of spreading Swedish culture globally through their work as researchers, lecturers, and translators. The scholarship is awarded annually, typically during SWEA Sverige Sommardagar or another appropriate occasion.

ASF Public Project Proposal Grant

The American-Scandinavian Foundation promotes the cultures of the Nordic countries in the United States and American culture in the Nordic countries by encouraging programs that will enhance public appreciation of culture, art, and thought. This grant supports public programming and defined events presented by non-profit organizations. The Foundation favors projects where its contribution will complement support from other sources and considers the lasting benefits that may be achieved by any grant. Awards are given to non-profit organizations only, with proof of 501(c)(3) status or equivalent in Scandinavia required. The maximum award amount is $5,000, though average grants range between $1,000 to $2,000. The grant has two annual deadlines (September 15 and February 15) with decisions announced approximately 10-11 weeks later. ASF does not support capital expenses, institutional overhead, publication underwriting, commercial recordings, or retroactive funding. Projects cannot begin before the decision announcement date.

ASF Translation Awards

The American-Scandinavian Foundation annually awards four translation prizes for outstanding translations of poetry, fiction, drama, or literary prose written by a 20th or 21st-century Nordic author. The competition recognizes excellence in translating literary works from Nordic languages into English. Four distinct prizes are awarded: The Nadia Christensen Prize ($2,500), The Leif and Inger Sjöberg Prize ($2,000 for previously unpublished translators), The Wigeland Prize ($2,000 for Norwegian translations by Norway residents), and The Inger and Jens Bruun Translation Prize ($2,000 for Danish translations, supported by Scan Design Foundation). All prizes include publication of an excerpt in Scandinavian Review and a commemorative bronze medallion. Submissions must be from the writing of one Nordic author and include poetry (15-25 pages) or prose (25-50 pages), along with author permission for publication. The competition is open to translators working with Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Icelandic, or Finnish source texts.

Scandinavian Folk Arts and Cultural Traditions in the Upper Midwest: Public Programs and Community Projects

Grants for public programs and community projects are awarded to nonprofit (501(c)3) organizations. These grants encourage the perpetuation of Scandinavian cultural traditions through the support of community events such as festivals, celebrations, and heritage events as well as workshops, performances, classes, and demonstrations. The program aims to perpetuate an interest in and understanding of traditional arts and skills, encourage broad public awareness of folk cultures and traditions, and add new dimensions to improve ongoing programs. Projects focus on Scandinavian folk arts and cultural traditions in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. The American-Scandinavian Foundation supports cultural heritage programs that demonstrate compliance with relevant regulations and respect for indigenous peoples' cultural rights.

Scandinavian Folk Arts & Cultural Traditions in the Upper Midwest Folk Artist Fellowships

The Folk Artist Fellowships support individual artists and practitioners who live and work in the Upper Midwest region, focusing on Scandinavian folk arts and cultural traditions. The fellowships range from $3,000 to $10,000 and are designed to help artists advance or enhance their skills in traditional folk arts and crafts. Projects may include working with master artists or craft practitioners, developing expertise in specific traditional art forms, and sharing the work with local communities. The program emphasizes community recognition and cultural preservation, requiring applicants to demonstrate their background and experience in their chosen folk art or craft tradition. The fellowships support both master folk artists seeking to advance their practice and apprentices working under master practitioners to deepen their skills in traditional Scandinavian folk arts.

Fellowships for Americans in the Nordic Countries

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) offers fellowships to graduate students and academic professionals interested in pursuing research or creative-arts projects in the Nordic region (Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sápmi, and Sweden). The program provides year-long fellowships of up to $23,000 and short-term (1-3 months) fellowships of up to $5,000. Priority is given to candidates at the graduate level for dissertation-related research, though awards are made in all fields. The fellowships support project-related costs including roundtrip airfare, room and board in the Nordic region, in-country travel, tuition and fees where applicable, and materials such as books, photocopying, and art supplies. Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents who have completed their undergraduate education by the start of their project. First priority is given to applicants who have not previously received an ASF award, and applicants are eligible to receive only two awards within a ten-year period. The program emphasizes full-time commitment to research or creative work, with projects required to begin after April 15th annually.