Our Story
The Louhento Foundation was established in 2017, driven by a desire to create a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those facing significant barriers. The foundation’s origin lies in the founders’ personal experiences, which underscored the fragility of life and the urgent need for tangible, meaningful change. These insights fuelled the commitment to foster a more inclusive and equitable society, focusing on the most vulnerable groups.
Inspired by a vision of equal opportunities for all, the foundation works to address persistent challenges such as health disparities, inequality, and limited access to essential resources. Our mission spans multiple domains, from advancing gender equality in sports to supporting neurological research and promoting mental health. Through these efforts, the foundation strives to enhance the well-being of both young and elderly people, ensuring that those facing obstacles have access to the support they need to thrive.
Over the years, the foundation has worked in collaboration with a number of respected organisations and initiatives. This includes partnerships with the Finnish Brain Foundation (Aivosäätiö), Mieli ry (Finnish Association for Mental Health), Helsinki Mission, Aamu Foundation (Finnish Children’s Cancer Foundation), Finnish Paralympic Committee, Football Foundation (Jalkapallo-Säätiö), Kansallinen Liiga (National Women’s Football League), and Save the Children Finland (Pelastakaa Lapset ry). These partnerships help to amplify the foundation’s impact and extend the reach of its work, supporting key causes in mental health, neurological research, youth empowerment, and sports development.
While the foundation remains small in scale, its impact is far-reaching. Every initiative is grounded in the belief that even small, targeted efforts can lead to substantial, lasting change. Whether through supporting the empowerment of women in sport, advancing critical health research, or fostering mental health awareness, the Louhento Foundation exemplifies resilience, compassion, and a relentless commitment to improving lives.
In terms of responsibility and transparency, the foundation operates with the utmost integrity. The board has never received any compensation during the foundation’s history. Its operations have been funded in line with its founding principles, through the careful allocation of its capital and the income generated from rental properties owned by the foundation. This model ensures that all funds are directed towards the foundation’s mission, guaranteeing that resources are used effectively to create positive change.
At its heart, the foundation is driven by values of integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, making it a trusted partner in the movement towards a more just and equitable world.
Founders
Lasse Louhento
Founder
Lasse Louhento, founder of the Louhento Foundation, has a background in the gaming industry, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping successful projects. His personal experience with an incurable brain tumour led him to recognise the importance of making a meaningful impact in the lives of others, sparking a desire to create a foundation focused on improving well-being, mental health, and neurological research. Lasse’s extensive experience in innovation continues to guide the foundation’s mission to promote equal opportunities and foster inclusion for vulnerable groups.
Mariet Louhento
Founder
Mariet Louhento, co-founder of the Louhento Foundation, is dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women, particularly through women’s football in Finland. With a focus on creating professional pathways for female athletes, Mariet has worked to enhance the sport’s sustainability. Her personal experiences, particularly with her husband’s health challenges, have deepened her commitment to supporting vulnerable groups. Through the foundation, Mariet strives to create equal opportunities and drive positive change in sports and beyond.