Yearbook 2023 - impactful stories about making a difference

23 January 2024

Boss Ladies breaking gender stereotypes in the construction industry, peer support for the mentally vulnerable, and research scrutinizing green technologies. In Yearbook 2023, you can meet some of the many passionate individuals who, with grants from the foundations, address some of the most significant challenges of our time.

A climate under pressure, artificial intelligence, uncertain financial markets and an increasingly tumultuous world. The year 2023 has questioned everything from democracy to facts and called for major efforts in education, research and social initiatives. With grants from Villum Foundation and VELUX FOUNDATION, enthusiasts have created collaborations across research and practice, equipped children and youth for a digital world and explored diversity challenges in Danish STEM research.

Read the full stories - for example:

VELUX FOUNDATION's 2030 strategy addresses a wide range of significant societal challenges and opportunities with an impact on democracy and sustainability in Danish society.
The Boss Ladies project brings more women into skilled trades through bridging in primary school, policy efforts, and a growing network of Boss Ladies.
Technical and scientific researchers explore wild solutions to wild problems.
Foundation asset management navigate the foundations' investments through a new and uncertain reality marked by rising interest rates and inflation.

Read the Yearbook here.

Our founder
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 approximately 19,800 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.