Other projects
The Betty Nansen Theatre in 2020'ies
Granted amount:
DKK 3.7m
Daylight and Fresh air
Do you have a project that can bring more daylight and fresh air into everyday life?
Villum Foundation supports charitable initiatives in Denmark that, with original ideas, can help move everyday indoor activities outdoors into daylight and fresh air. Everyone can apply - From local associations and institutions to municipalities, design studios, and other organizations.
In total, we have allocated DKK 30 million across two funds:
The fund for smaller projects
This fund is reserved for smaller projects estimated to be between DKK 100,000 and 500,000 and is aimed at citizens, associations, and institutions with ideas for how indoor activities can be moved outdoors and integrated into the local community. The total amount for this fund is DKK 5 million.
The fund for larger projects
This fund is reserved for larger projects estimated to be between DKK 500,000 and 5 million. It is aimed at larger organizations and professional actors who have projects designed to move everyday indoor activities outdoors. The total amount for this fund is DKK 25 million.
Read more about the two funds below.
Status
Open
Full budget of the call
DKK 30m
Application
- Open for submissionsApplication
- Deadline for submissions
14:00
Villum Foundation accommodates projects that actively incorporate environmental and sustainability considerations to minimize the climate footprint. Therefore, projects that can demonstrate responsible climate choices in the overall project are prioritized. Additionally, within construction and infrastructure, projects that can easily account for how they consciously work with material choices are prioritized – for example, by using LCA simulations and/or other choices and tools that collectively minimize the climate footprint.
Do you have an inspiring or experimental project idea that can move some of everyday indoor activities outdoors and contribute to a healthier and happier everyday environment?
The fund is aimed at citizens, associations, and institutions with ideas on how indoor activities can be moved outdoors and integrated into the local community – for example, in the schoolyard, in the forest, at the harbor, or in the city.
The fund is reserved for projects between DKK 100,000 and 500,000.
We support projects that:
- Encourages experiences and social interaction, with a focus on active user involvement
- Create lasting value for many
- Include a description of the specific activities that will be carried out. Particularly when applying for funds to purchase materials or equipment, the application should specify how it will be used and who will benefit
- Establish new collaborations between different actors
- Can be realized with the grant, possibly with some additional external funding
- Can be initiated immediately or within a manageable timeframe after the grant is awarded
- Can inspire others – even after the project is completed
The fund is reserved for larger organizations and professional actors, such as architects, developers, and public institutions, with innovative ideas for public welfare projects that can move everyday indoor activities outdoors.
We are looking for ideas that build on the existing experiences and traditions of architecture and construction; for example, outdoor classrooms in schools or reinterpretations of atriums, arcades, and other outdoor spaces that create new transitions between indoors and outdoors.
In evaluating the application, we place emphasis on considerations regarding the sustainability of the project — for instance, in terms of expected reduction in energy consumption or recycling and savings on materials.
The fund is reserved for projects between DKK 500,000 and DKK 5 million.
We are looking for projects that address several or all of the following points:
- Are based on the needs and opportunities of user groups, and include active user involvement
- Create lasting value for many
- Can inspire others — even after the project is completed
- Form new collaborations between different actors and stakeholders
- Can be realized through the grant, possibly with additional external funding
- Can be initiated immediately or within a reasonable timeframe
Construction guarantee
For larger construction projects, Villum Foundation recommends that the grant recipient assess risks, including suppliers and contractors' financial capacity, before starting the project. Based on this, the decision should be made whether a construction guarantee should be provided.
Specifically regarding support for outdoor classrooms
The fund does not support the establishment of outdoor classrooms for science and technology education in schools.
Support for such projects can instead be sought through the Villum Foundation’s funding area for Children, Youth, and Science, under the programme "Investigative, Real-World Science Education," which has an open call for outdoor educational spaces until April 2, 2025.
If you are unsure which category your project falls under, you are welcome to contact head of programme Signe Staubo Sørensen or senior advisor Torben Ingerslev Roug.
A woodworking workshop in the middle of the forest
In Egtved, local scouts and Egtved School have collaborated to create a nature workshop — a woodshop located in the heart of the forest. Supported by a grant of DKK 260,000 from Villum Foundation, the project has allowed both school students and scouts to move their activities outdoors.
The scouts report spending more time outside, as the nature workshop provides a sheltered space even when the weather is challenging. The workshop is also used by a special education class, where students with socio-emotional challenges thrive in the calm, natural surroundings. This project strengthens the local community and demonstrates how daylight and fresh air can become a natural part of daily life.
Sail and Study
In Aalborg, Sejlklubben Limfjorden, with support from the Villum Foundation, launched the Sail and Study project, which combines academic studies with sailing. The project received a grant of DKK 100,000 and offers young students the chance to get out on the water in J/70 sports boats, where they can enjoy exercise, fresh air, and social interaction.
Sailing provides a much-needed break from academic pressures, and many participants report improved well-being and mental health. The club has seen significant growth, and the project has created a new, sustainable youth environment focused on daylight, fresh air, and community.
Rooting New Communities
At Øresundskollegiet in Copenhagen, the project Rooting New Communities has transformed a grey rooftop terrace into a green, social gathering place. Supported by a DKK 2.8 million grant from Villum Foundation, the project has created a vibrant outdoor space with plants, greenhouses, and areas for both relaxation and celebrations.
The rooftop terrace brings residents closer together and provides them with safe and green access to daylight and fresh air. The space is frequently used for everything from reading and sunbathing to concerts and workshops and won the Scandinavian Green Roof Award in 2022.
Sailing Club Limfjorden has launched the project "Sail and Study", which combines academic studies with sailing. Sailing provides a respite from the pressures of studying, and many participants experience improved well-being and mental health.
Please remember to review the documents 'Budget Guide' and 'Guide to the Good Application' before submitting your application.
Under the heading 'Daylight and Fresh Air,' we do not support:
- General construction and procurement projects, including general renovations
- Projects whose main focus is not directly related to optimizing access to daylight and fresh air
- Remaining financing projects
- Private projects that do not have an outward/public purpose
- Corporate projects with commercial purposes
- Outdoor educational spaces for teaching science and technology. Learn more about our funding programmes for such projects here
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