Press Release, June 4, 2026
Effekt made its first funding decisions. Impact funding was awarded to four organizations in May 2026.
The Solutions Fund Effekt a new kind of player in the financial sector, operating in the space between grant-making foundations and investment activities.
Effekt solutions that build a better society. Our first funding decisions are focused on four exceptionally inspiring projects that demonstrate clear impact and growth potential,”says CEO Ari Evwaraye.
Recipients of funding from The Solutions Fund :
Reducing school dropout rates: Annie Advisor is a digital application that prevents students from dropping out. The program has a strong track record of reducing dropout rates in secondary and higher education: educational institutions using Annie Advisor have seen a reduction of up to 25% in dropout rates. With the help of Effekt, the program is being expanded to a larger target group than before.
New pathways to employment for young people: Work Pilots is an app and service where you can easily search for or offer work assignments, even just for an hour at a time. The company lowers the barrier to offering and taking on jobs, brings hidden work to light, and opens new paths to working life for young people. Effekt, WorkPilots is developing a municipality-led community model that brings together local actors to create job opportunities for young people.
A joint event for the creative industries: ODDfest is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening the position of the creative economy and cultural leadership in the Nordic countries. This year, ODDfest will be held on June 12–13, 2026. The goal is to grow the event into the “Slush of culture and the creative industries.” Effekt is used to create new kinds of structures between the economy and culture.
Employment among immigrants: Startup Refugees is a social innovation that promotes the integration of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants into the workforce, entrepreneurship, and skills development. Startup Refugees is participating in an impact-based procurement initiative in the public sector, set to launch in 2026 with Effekt.
For more information and interview requests:
Senior Partner Stefan Haglund
+358 40 057 7903
stefan@effekt.fund
The Solutions Fund Effekt
The Solutions Fund Effekt is a nonprofit organization established by the Brita Maria Renlund Memorial Foundation (BMR Foundation), Alfred Kordelin Foundation StartMore Social Impact Hub Oy. It works to build a better society by addressing social challenges and promoting human well-being. Launched on December 1, 2025, Effekt and funds projects that have measurable and long-lasting impacts.