The foundations’ yearbook – anniversary issue
24.01.2021 l More news
Among the features in this year’s yearbook is a look back at some of the foundations’ biggest grants. And you can explore the grants for 2021 that offer everything from cool Boss Ladies and social initiatives to groundbreaking research.
In 2021, VILLUM FONDEN and VELUX FONDEN celebrated their 50th and 40th anniversaries, respectively. The occasion of the foundations’ anniversaries sees the yearbook look back at some of the very biggest grants and major grantees that have, thanks to support from the foundations, been able to create new knowledge and attention around issues such as the potential of the plant world, plastic in our oceans, dementia and social initiatives taking place both at home and abroad.
The past year is showcased in a cavalcade of postcards, while asset management provides insight into the difficult art of making investments that not only generate a return but also have an impact.
In this issue, you can read about:- Biologist and Professor Birger Lindberg Møller, who is examining how the fascinating lives and properties of plants can help us to solve some of the greatest challenges of our time.
- Doctor and Professor Leif Østergaard, who is combining advanced technology, interdisciplinary collaboration and a dose of curiosity to form the basis of groundbreaking research that may show us new ways to treat dementia.
- The Danish Sea Rescue Society, under whose auspices active senior citizens carry out indispensable work to help distressed sailors safely reach shore.
- Former Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen’s efforts to found his organisation headspace, which has offered advice to 60,000 young people since its launch and is now a presence in 29 towns and cities across Denmark.
The VKR Group was founded by Villum Kann Rasmussen, inventor of the roof window. Motivated by a desire to give back to the society that had given him so much, he established two philanthropic foundations, VILLUM FONDEN and VELUX FONDEN. Since their founding in 1971 and 1981, they have been honouring his wish by donating money to the people and the projects that can improve our lives and the society we live in.
Where does our money come from?The companies of the VKR Group employ 19,500 people in 40 countries. Their hard work, day-in and day-out, makes it possible to generate the profits that, over time, have formed the basis for the foundations’ philanthropic work. A portion of the VKR Group’s annual profits are turned over to the foundations, which invests the money into a diversified portfolio in order to achieve the highest possible returns, and in so doing enabling us to maximise our philanthropic grants.