SFV was founded in 1882 to cater for basic schooling and libraries, and to publish educative books for the Swedish speaking population of Finland.
Today the mission is much broader – SFV owns and supports educational centers and vocational schools, owns publishers and cultural venues, publishes a cultural magazine, and encourages people with prizes and scholarships.
Each year SFV is also a big benefactor to a varying array of cultural and educational events and projects.