SAMPO ASSOCIATION AWARDED A $5000 SAUNA REPAIR GRANT
Written By:
Finlandia Foundation
SAMPO ASSOCIATION AWARDED A $5000 SAUNA REPAIR GRANT FROM FINLANDIA FOUNDATION NATIONAL!
Press Release. Date: 06.05.2026 | MARKETING CONTACT: Mandi Rosebrock
A Huge Thank you to Finlandia Foundation National for Awarding Sampo Association a $5,000 Grant for the Large Community Sauna Function Repair and Restoration Project.
The Finlandia Foundation National Grant award of $5,000 will allow Sampo Association (“Sampo” for short) to initiate the restoration of the sauna function elements (which is Phase 2 of a 3 Phase Sauna Restoration Project) to ensure the continued use and safe function of the sauna is possible. The awarded grant for the Sampo large sauna function repair project will provide funding to install a new sauna stove pipe, doors, fire block, sauna benches, flooring and wainscot to help preserve this large traditional Finnish sauna at this idyllic site for future generations.
“Being awarded this grant is a true blessing for Sampo and the community. The sauna is a sacred place for many Finns, including me. Taking a sauna creates cultural immersion and provides many therapeutic aspects for myself, from lighting the fire in the wood stove to ladling water over the hot stones, hearing the crackling and sizzling as the steam fills the entire space. At times while sitting in complete silence I can feel so relaxed that stress washes away and a sense of peace overflows. This is not only therapeutic but it creates a deep community bond with each other as we sit together in deep relaxation and partake in meaningful conversations. Given the opportunity to further renovate the sauna will open doors to more possibilities of having community driven gatherings and events, which is something we have been striving towards for many years,” Anna Bjerketvedt – Sampo Association Secretary.
This Finlandia Foundation National grant will ensure that Sampo Association can continue to use the sauna for many years to come, guaranteeing safe public usage while providing the various health benefits a sauna offers. Sampo Association is one of the few remaining places in Northern Minnesota to create space for the celebration of Finnish culture and history at an iconic lake setting. Due to aging buildings and lower membership, Sampo is in great need of resources to support infrastructure upgrades. A big thanks to Finlandia Foundation National for making this project possible. This investment will help to preserve this iconic place that our ancestors envisioned as a place where strong ties to Finnish-American culture would continue to thrive.
ABOUT SAMPO
Sampo Association is a 501(c)7 not-for-profit Finnish-American beach club nestled quietly on the shores of Little Grand Lake near Saginaw, Minnesota located in St. Louis County. Sampo has approximately 32 volunteer members who continue to host many Finnish cultural gatherings and events while striving to promote, preserve and educate the public about Finnish-American heritage.
Each year there is diversity in activities Sampo offers with hope to continue rebuilding and reigniting passion for Finnish culture and cultural events. Sampo hosts free activities such as knitting/crochet events, kayak outings, and potluck gatherings for members. Other events at Sampo include hosting the Ladies of Kaleva Aallottaren Tupa 15, Duluth annual summer meeting and potluck. Additionally, one of our major fundraiser events, Mojakka Day, is open to everyone in the public community and all visitors are encouraged to take tours, enjoy a sauna and jump in the lake! Also including the Juhannus (Midsummer) event; formerly organized by the Finlandia Foundation Northland of Duluth, as well as hosting other groups. Non-members have the opportunity to rent out the cabins and lodge for family reunions, birthday parties and weddings. To learn how to become a member of Sampo Association, please reach out to us via Facebook.
