This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1,500 words) of Finnish legislation dealing with government financing of study circles. In the adult education system of Finland, a study circle is a working unit based on voluntary membership and aimed at fulfilling the educational needs of its members through group studies in accordance with a study plan drawn up in advance. The study circle elects a leader, chooses its subject of study, and approves a study plan. The membership of a circle varies between 5 and 25, but is usually between 10 and 15. The Government has supported study circles since 1921 by granting aid on an annual basis. The amount has varied considerably and without sufficient relation to needs, so that this Act was passed to define the percentage of adult education funds going to study circles. The study circles supported by government aid are also subject to government control, exercised by the National Board of Schools. The Ministry of Education authorizes the founding of a study center if its activities justify it and if no less than 600 study circles (or 75 for the Swedish-speaking) belong to the center. A study circle wishing to receive government aid must join one of the five national study centers. (Author/GDB)