Other projects 2026

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In the "Other Projects" program within Culture and Society, it is possible to apply for support for significant cultural initiatives throughout the year. These initiatives should enrich and delight the general public. The foundation's focus is on projects that either highlight or innovate elements of daylight and fresh air, contribute to a healthier environment, and integrate recycling and sustainability aspects into any renovation or construction activities.

For projects that are particularly innovative or set new agendas within cultural and societal development, the foundation can offer financial support for pilot or experimental projects with a specified duration.

Status

Open

Currently, applications from organizations outside Denmark require prior approval.

Villum Foundation supports construction and infrastructure projects that actively promote sustainable development.

These are indicative criteria for applicants intending to apply to Villum Foundation, as well as for applicants who have already been awarded a grant.

Villum Foundation expects project applications to describe any choices and measures implemented in the project with the aim of limiting the use of scarce resources and reducing the project’s CO₂ footprint. For example, applicants may consider the following:

Are there alternatives to new construction, including possibilities for renovation or reuse?
How do the structural concept, choice of materials, and construction process contribute to reducing the CO₂ footprint as much as possible?
Can elements of the building be dismantled and reused at the end of their service life?
Is the project designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as the risk of flooding?
Is the project’s floor area used optimally, for example through daylight optimisation, multifunctional use of space, and flexible interior design for the benefit of multiple user groups?
Have considerations been made regarding how windows contribute to reducing overheating, enabling natural ventilation, and optimising daylight conditions?
Have considerations been made regarding the project’s impact on biodiversity?

Supplementary Grant
In certain cases, where deemed relevant, Villum Foundation offers projects the opportunity to submit a supplementary application for the implementation of innovative sustainability measures in the early phases of the project. Applications for supplementary funding are prepared in dialogue with Villum Foundation. Supplementary grants are awarded with the aim of enabling applicants/project owners and their advisors to demonstrate how material analyses, for example in the form of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), can reduce the building’s climate impact and contribute to the development of new, appropriate solutions.

Villum Foundation’s grant funds are generated from the profits of the companies established by Villum Kann Rasmussen, which are today brought together in the VKR Group. These include VELUX and Dovista, which manufacture roof windows and façade windows respectively, as well as other companies that develop solutions and products which bring daylight, fresh air and a healthy indoor climate into everyday life. Villum Foundation therefore welcomes the use of products from the group’s companies in foundation-supported construction and infrastructure projects, provided that these products are suitable for the purpose and competitive. However, the use of products from the group’s companies is not a condition for receiving a grant.