The Finnish Cultural Foundation comprises a Foundation, established in 1939, and an Association, established in 1937. Today, the Finnish Cultural Foundation is one of the largest foundations in Europe. Its assets are based on donations and bequests received over more than 80 years and deposited in its Central Fund, seventeen Regional Funds, and over 800 Donor Funds.

The Foundation's 12-member Board of Trustees contains a broad range of expertise in the arts and sciences, administration, and financial life. It meets between eight and ten times a year, being responsible for the Foundation's general administration, finances, grants, and all major projects. Its decisions are usually based on recommendations made by experts in the fields concerned.

The Board of Trustees elects a number of its members and external advisers to the Finance Committee, which is responsible for preparing the Foundation's budget and annual financial statements. The Committee also discusses the guidelines for investing the Foundation's assets.

The Supervisory Board is the Foundation's most senior elected administrative body. It comprises 27 members, of which 15 are elected at the spring meeting of the Association and 12 by the Supervisory Board itself. The Supervisory Board nominates the Trustees and approves the Foundation's budget and annual financial statements.

The purpose of the Association is to support the Foundation by spreading information and organising meetings in all parts of Finland. It has over 2000 members, and is governed by an Association Committee.

The Foundation's office is located in Helsinki, and is led by the CEO. He is assisted by the Management Group, which meets meets once a week to prepare and execute the decisions of the Board of Trustees. The Regional Funds are managed each by an Officer and an Administrative Committee.