This thesis deals with foundations in Finland, in general, and with the Satakunta University Foundation, in particular. The aim is to study the scientific and social activities and effects of the Satakunta University Foundation on the development of education and research on a university level in the Satakunta region.

Universities do not only produce and distribute information, but also promote the development of the region and increase positive economic effects. This can also be seen in Satakunta, which is an area of big structural changes. The strengths of the Pori University Consortium are versatility and flexibility, and the activities of the Satakunta Uni-versity Foundation support the development of these strengths both mentally and economically.

The theoretical part dealing with foundations in general gave a basis to the empiric part of the thesis, which was realized as a qualitative study in the form of thematical interviews. On the basis of the information in the thesis it could be established that the Satakunta University Foundation is considered to play an important role in the support and development of education and research on a university level.