Spending money always involves making a choice: do you buy brand new things or second-hand ones; do you emphasise quality or effortlessness? Do you make purchases frequently and impulsively or rarely and thoughtfully? When you give gifts, are they material ones or experiences? What are the key criteria for you as a consumer: the country of origin, craftmanship, recyclability, aesthetics, usability, affordability?
For some, being surrounded by beautiful things brings joy, while others embrace minimalism. Similarly, some prefer to make their furniture themselves, while others would rather spend time with friends. While we have a shared responsibility for our planet, our values and preferences vary. People place value on different things in life.
Each of us are likely to have slightly different habits when it comes to making purchases. And of course, we do not always consider our choices very carefully. And even when we do consider them, determining the criteria and evaluating whether the criteria are met can prove difficult.
Donating is a purchase decision like any other consumption choice.
The role of university in society is to educate and research. While each of us is in charge of their own consumption, the university wishes to be an active changemaker in society and offer sustainable alternatives to consumers. After all, every purchase, and every charitable donation is a consumption choice.
Donating is a personal decision and no cause is inherently better than the other; the decision will depend on the person’s values and financial situation.
Many invest in shares and funds, but have you ever thought that you could invest in the future: in education, research and the promotion of science and art? While making a donation is always a form of charity, why not think of your donation as an investment? What if, instead of investing in index funds, you were to invest in future technology experts, in those who make hard decisions, and in innovations that enable things we cannot even imagine yet?
When you donate to the university, the profitability of your investment will not be measured in monetary terms. Instead, your investment to higher education and research will yield results on the long term and come to fruition, for instance, as Finland’s competitiveness, technological development, solutions to skills shortage, optimally running society, and enhanced well-being of university students.
Each of us can do our share. If you believe your education has propelled you forward in life and provided you with solid skills for the world of work, consider investing in our shared future.
You can also give back by doing voluntary work, mentoring or sharing your experiences with students who are still seeking a field of study that suits their interests.
Science and creativity pave the way for a sustainable future.
Take a look at some examples we are working at Aalto works towards a sustainable future.
Professor Luana Dessbesell works on bridging the gap between academia and industry. Her research group Sustainable Bioproducts Innovation is a multidisciplinary group of people who seek to support the development and commercialization of new forest-based innovations.
Focusing on short-term profit isn’t sustainable. So what can we do to move in the right direction?
The Radical Ceramic Research Group is pioneering potentially transformative alternatives to traditional concrete, the world’s second largest source of emissions.
The aim is to create a new micromechanical tool to better understand how root mechanics arise from cells and how living materials like plant roots adapt to external stresses
The Master's Programme in Hydrogen and Electric Systems meets the most pressing needs of working life, says head of the programme Matti Lehtonen.
Coatings made from a wood by-product can keep our glasses and windshields clear
In the project Aalto University explores the business opportunities and challenges of the circular economy
Sustainable entrepreneurs are visionaries focused on creating profitable businesses that benefit society and the environment
Team plans expansion while adhering to circular economy principles
Did you know that less than 60% of Aalto expenses are covered by the funds allocated by the Ministry of Education and Culture, while 40% comes from a variety of sources? Donations are one of these sources, and as such a key element in ensuring the financial sustainability of the university.
We must ensure continued funding for research and education because we will need novel expertise and innovations to solve grand global challenges.
Donation to the university is an investment in a better future. Together we can solve some of the toughest problems of our time.
A donation in honour of a special occation is a perfect option for an immaterial gift. Set up a fundraiser and donate to science, technology, art and business.
A legacy gift for the university is a step towards a better future.