How to apply
VELUX FOUNDATION works to improve people’s lives and opportunities to act in a democratic and sustainable society by supporting research and initiatives within and across social conditions, life stages, transitions in adult life, society and culture, and the marine environment.
You can read more about the four grant areas, each of which includes a range of programmes:
- Social initiatives
- An ocean in balance
- Transitions and changes during adult life
- Humanities and social science research and culture
Application procedures vary across grant areas, programmes and themes.
Applicants are therefore advised to consult the specific programme or call they are interested in.
Many programmes encourage collaboration — not only between research and practice, but also across the four grant areas.
Apply for funding
Funding opportunities are announced through calls on the Foundation’s website.
Review and assessment process
The Foundation’s workflows and assessment processes are designed to ensure a thorough evaluation of all applications.
Programme Officers are in ongoing dialogue with a wide range of applicant environments, including universities, NGOs, associations, municipalities, regions, cultural institutions and social organisations.
All major applications are submitted to the Board. The application process typically takes 4–9 months, depending on the grant area. All applicants receive a response.
To support the Board’s decisions, external expert reviews are obtained.
Exception: Applications below DKK 250,000 under Transitions and Changes in Adult Life follow a simplified process.
Read more: Agency 60+
VELUX FOUNDATION supports projects for the public good. Funding is therefore typically available to organisations, institutions, associations, municipalities and research environments.
As a general rule, individuals cannot apply. However, under Transitions and Changes in Adult Life, special provisions allow for smaller projects and a broader range of applicants.
Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s digital application system.
They must be based on a specific call or funding area and comply with the relevant guidelines.
Read more: Current calls
VELUX FOUNDATION supports research and culture in the humanities and social sciences, social initiatives, a balanced marine environment, and transitions and changes in adult life.
The Foundation works across several grant areas and programmes, which may also collaborate.
As a rule, the Foundation does not support individuals, commercial projects, ongoing operations without a development perspective, or activities without a clear public benefit.
Projects that are not aligned with the Foundation’s focus areas are also not eligible.
Read more: What we do not support
Before applying, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the Foundation’s mission, focus areas and the specific call.
Clearly consider the target group, purpose, expected impact and organisation of your project — and how it contributes new knowledge or practice.
Read more: Strategy 2030
Deadlines are specified in each call and vary depending on the funding area.
Some calls have fixed deadlines, while others are open for a limited period.
Read more: Current calls
Processing times vary depending on the type of funding and the application round.
Expected response times are always stated in the relevant call.
Read more: Current calls
As a general rule, applicants to the Foundation’s programmes and calls must be based in Denmark, Greenland or the Faroe Islands.
Specific eligibility criteria are always stated in the relevant call.