The Lennart Meri Waterfowl Fund was established on 20 June 2007 with the objective of preserving the memory of a remarkable statesman and researcher of Finno-Ugric peoples, and to support the creative and social activities of youth for the benefit of Finno-Ugric peoples.

Fellows

• 2020 – Raisija Sungurova – Mari poet, founder of children’s and youth folklore groups, leader of the Yugra Mari community.
• 2018 – Nikolai Anisimov – Udmurt folklorist, researcher at the Estonian Literary Museum and member of the ensemble AR-GOD.
• 2016 – Karoliina Kreintaal – Estonian folk musician and photographer, author of the traveling exhibition ‘Visits to the Edge of the World’.
• 2014 – Julia Nikitina – Udmurt activist, CEO of the Organising Committee of the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture Bygy 2014.
• 2013 – Aleksei Tsykarev – of Ludian nationality, Tsykarev has previously been the leading figure of the national organisation Young Karelia, having initiate and led many projects.
• 2012 – Leanne Barbo – Estonian folk musician, music and dance teacher, and organiser of the Tallinn Dance Club. For several years, she has visited the Votic language and culture summer camp in Jõgõperä to teach Votic songs and Ingrian dances to Votes. On her initiative, the ensemble Tai-Tai was formed that plays Livonian, Latvian, Votic and Estonian music.
• 2009 – Nikolai Kuznetsov – a Komi linguist living in Estonia, who has compiled a dictionary and a collection of poems, translated poetry and created a computer vocabulary.