Our Mission
The mission of the Sons of Norway Foundation is to celebrate Nordic culture and heritage through scholarships and grants to our members and communities.
Anniversary
The Sons of Norway Foundation is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026 and we couldn’t be prouder. Over the past 60 years, the Foundation has awarded $3.5 million to our members, lodges, districts and communities. Please join in the celebration at your district’s convention. You may also consider making a special anniversary gift to the Foundation of $60 for 60 years. To learn more, visit sofn.com/foundation or email foundation@sofn.com to learn more.
Grants
In keeping with the 60th theme, the Sons of Norway Foundation has awarded 60 grants for our 60th anniversary. The grants this year will bring music to your ears with Hardanger fiddle music in Wisconsin and GriegFest in Toronto. Our youngest members are receiving support from the Vegas Vikings Speakers Bureau and a back-to-school support program in Missoula. See the full list of grants on the website at sofn.com/foundation/grants/ to learn more.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications were impressive this year once again. Notifications will go out in May, and scholarship awards are mailed directly to academic institutions in the summer. Congratulations to all recipients! Applications for the 2027-28 academic year will open October 1, 2026.
Camperships
Thanks to the vision and generosity of the Draxten family, the Sons of Norway Foundation awards Draxten campership funds to each district to utilize in their youth programs. This year the awards exceeded $15,000. (Fun fact: Bersvend Draxten was the first President of Sons of Norway.)
Helping Hands to Members Grants
Don’t forget our Helping Hands to Members grants, should you or a fellow lodge member come upon hard times. If a natural disaster or an extreme medical illness has made a significant financial impact for you or a lodge-mate, please visit the website to learn where to apply: sofn.com/foundation/grants/.