About us

SWEA San Francisco was founded in 1982 by Barbro Osher, the Swedish Consul General of San Francisco. SWEA’s objective is to protect the Swedish language and to support and promote Swedish culture and traditions. In addition, the organization will act as an intermediary in supplying personal and professional contacts and establish a network for its members throughout the world.

In addition to an annual scholarship program administrated by SWEA International, SWEA San Francisco has its own program recognizing individuals and institutions mostly in the Bay Area. Every year, grants are awarded to Swedish schools and preschools in the Bay Area, the Church of Sweden in San Francisco, and a SWEA travel stipends to UC Berkeley undergraduate students who are planning to pursue studies in Sweden. Smaller grants are also awarded to various cultural groups and organizations with Swedish connections.

SWEA San Francisco is one of the largest chapters outside Sweden with more than 300 members. SWEA San Francisco hosts many activities throughout the year, the biggest one being the annual Christmas Fair in San Francisco on the first Saturday of December.