Grant strategy 2026-2030
For an enlightened world
Villum Foundation supports those who want to contribute to a well-functioning society and pave the way for a better future for all.
We believe that an enlightened society with solid, stable institutions, transparent processes and ambitious research environments is the prerequisite for well-being and progress. We want to support both exceptional talent and society more broadly, creating space for the new ideas that will sustain us in the future—while also ensuring that people as a whole are well informed and ready to participate in democratic dialogue.
We therefore support the education of children and young people, vital learning environments, strong cultural projects and excellent research in science and technology in both Denmark and the rest of Europe.
Climate and the environment are crucial focus areas for Villum Foundation. The climate crisis is serious and accelerating. Therefore, the climate and the green transition are not just independent efforts, but an important part of all the areas we support.
Our overall goal is to help create an enlightened world that strengthens the foundations of our society and can provide us with tomorrow’s solutions.
- Climate and environment
- Innovation and knowledge dissemination
- Europe
We support those taking the lead
It takes courage to take responsibility, and we want to support those who lead the way. In recognition of the role we play in supporting society, we strive for the highest degree of integrity in our work – combined with the curiosity resulting from our focus on a high level of professionalism and new discoveries. We look to the future and let ourselves be guided by common sense, so that we are prepared to adapt when reality demands it. Our goals are long-term, but we work dynamically towards them.
We have roots in Denmark and primarily support projects in Denmark and the Danish Realm. But the major societal challenges call for cross-border solutions, and the other European countries are important as our immediate neighbourhood. When we support projects in Europe, we strengthen knowledge and competences for the benefit of the entire region. An enlightened Europe is an important step towards an enlightened world.
Read more about our grant areas:
A scientific path to the future
At Villum Foundation, we want to help pave the way for generating the ideas that will sustain us in the future. That is why we support excellent research within in engineering and natural sciences. A key focus for us is that science can show us the way to a more sustainable future.
The researchers who receive our support rank among the very best. We have thorough quality assurance methods – and we are happy to look beyond Denmark’s borders to find researchers at the top of their field. We have the courage to think holistically and long-term and believe that we are on the right track, even though we don’t know it yet.
The natural world is full of facts and laws, and it takes originality and creativity to find the new truths and surprising discoveries. True to the spirit of our founder, we believe that innovative research and technology are driven by curiosity and experimentation. Different disciplines can often enrich each other, which is why we support interdisciplinary collaboration, just as we celebrate that ideas must be tested, and that one travels along unknown paths without knowing the destination.
At Villum Foundation, we want to strengthen the relationship between research and innovation. Basic research and new discoveries must inspire and be inspired by potential applications for the benefit of society. By combining talent, ingenuity and quality with initiative and drive, we can take things to the next level and create a solid foundation for a well-functioning society with sustainable growth.
Teknisk og naturvidenskabelig forskning
Empowerment and drive of the future
Villum Foundation believes that a key element of an enlightened world is that nature, science and technology are made relevant and engaging for children and young people. The next generations must be able to understand nature and scientific thinking so that they are prepared to act in and contribute to an enlightened world where society develops and decisions are based on knowledge and facts.
Future generations face major challenges that require an understanding of nature as the foundation of our lives and knowledge of how science and technology help to shape our shared culture, living conditions and scope for action. Children and young people should have knowledge and skills in science and technology. They should understand how science and technology contribute to the development of society, and they must experience that science is important and relevant in their everyday lives.
We prepare children and young people for a greener future, where they can handle analogue and digital technologies and navigate a digitalised society. Therefore, we support investigative, realistic teaching and initiatives that stimulate children and young people’s curiosity, wonder, empowerment and drive. This requires skilled and inspiring teachers, which is why we also support professional development for educators as well as learning environments that give all children and young people – regardless of their social, cultural or economic background – the best opportunities to play an active role in addressing society’s major challenges.
Vil du vide mere om vores programmer og bevillinger inden for området Børn, unge og science?
The strongest social investment is education
A well-functioning society is built on a social framework where everyone has the opportunity to develop and to take an active part in society. For us, the strongest social investment is education. We work purposefully to ensure that everyone has a chance to pursue an education. When we strengthen the abilities and skills of individuals, we strengthen the resources of society as a whole. This benefits the individual and makes the democratic foundation of society stronger.
As part of the European region, we wish to strengthen our common resources and values for mutual benefit and inspiration throughout the region. We support young people and their education in Europe, with a particular focus on facilitating their transition into a changing labour market.
Our efforts are focused on initiatives that can have the greatest impact and create the most significant long-term change. We aim to strengthen society’s capacity to create the solutions of tomorrow – especially within the digital and green transitions. By taking a long-term approach to education, we empower young people to become part of a sustainable labour market and to help address future challenges in an enlightened society.
Would you like to learn more about our programmes within the grant area European youth and education?
An enlightened and educated population
An enlightened population is a prerequisite for a healthy democracy and culture, and shared experiences are important for the social fabric of society. Villum Foundation therefore supports cultural institutions and signature projects in Denmark and the rest of Europe with a wide reach, raise awareness and foster dialogue both in Denmark and internationally.
True to our origins, we support projects focusing on fresh air and daylight – both major renovation projects and minor projects that support new communities and create more outdoor life. Green projects and sustainability are always key priorities for Villum Foundation.
The goal is to give back to the community in a way that brings joy and benefits to many people. Culture and education help to strengthen the individual, so that we become a society of enlightened and independent people that are ready to participate in the shared conversation.
Vil du vide mere om vores programmer og bevillinger inden for området Kultur og samfund?
How we work:
- Systemic
- Adaptive
This means that we set a goal (an intention) and then work on long-term initiatives that are adjusted along the way (adaptive). These initiatives are chosen, designed and implemented with significant involvement of relevant stakeholders (systemic), ensuring broad understanding of the initiatives. We believe this approach adds the most value. Thus, there is a lot of involvement of relevant stakeholders in the chosen areas both before, during and after a given initiative.