...is the catalyst in the Northwest for preserving authentic traditions and culture while celebrating modern Scandinavian life, culture and business. It is the "go to" regional resource for all things Scandinavian.

SHF is a non-profit organization focused on the five Nordic nations -- Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. With more than 500,000 Nordic immigrants and their descendants living in Oregon and southwest Washington and countless others interested in Nordic business, travel and culture, the Foundation’s purpose is to preserve authentic traditions, languages and culture while celebrating modern Scandinavian life of the five Nordic nations – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

As a pan-Scandinavian organization, SHF encourages people of Scandinavian heritage, as well as people of all ethnic backgrounds, to discover the cultural richness of Scandinavia. It manages an ambitious schedule of lectures, classes, and cultural and business events independently and in collaboration with Portland State University (supporting Nordic language classes since 1985), the Scandinavian Genealogical Society and over 30 diverse Scandinavian organizations.

The SHF Board of Directors has fostered a dream of establishing a Scandinavian American Cultural & Community Center (Cultural Center) where a rich program of cultural and educational activity will be offered and where the SHF mission can be fully realized.

The Board, members and staff are focused on two paths: the new programs, special events and support of Nordic language classes at PSU, and the Capital Campaign to build the Cultural Center that one day will house all these events and programs. This lineup of activities describes perfectly why building the Cultural Center has become so urgent. These two paths work hand in hand: programs drive the need for the building.

The Cultural Center will be built at the current site of SHF's offices at 8800 SW Oleson Road in Portland, Oregon. SHF owns this valuable property and, with architect Cy Stadsvold, AIA, and contractor SM Andersen Company, SHF has designed a beautifully crafted modern building with traditional design elements.

The Oleson Road office is the heart of our day-to-day operation and the hub of local Scandinavian activities. The SHF staff, headed by Executive Director Mike O’Bryant, are the everyday face of the organization and the leaders in providing events, programs and in raising the funds needed for both operations and for the Cultural Center. Mike comes to SHF with 20 years of corporate business experience and seven years running his own business as a freelance writer.

Aase Beaulieu joined SHF in February 2007. She has an MBA in international finance, and brings an extensive background in international business to her appointment as Development Director. Aase was born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark.