The Velux Foundations are comprised of the two philanthropic foundations Villum Fonden and Velux Fonden. Among our grant areas are science, environmental, social and cultural purposes in Denmark and internationally. In 2019, the two foundations gave joint grants of approx. EUR 178 million.

Both foundations were established by graduate engineer Villum Kann Rasmussen- the founder of Velux and other companies in The VKR Group, whose mission it is to bring daylight, fresh air and a better environment into people’s everyday lives. Villum Fonden is a majority shareholder in the VKR Group.

The foundations are philanthropic even though Villum Fonden is the principal shareholder of VKR Holding, the parent company of the VKR Group, which has more than 16.000 employees and comprises a number of companies, among which Velux, Velfac and Rationel Vinduer are the most well-known. However, the foundation does not have any controlling influence within the VKR Group even though it is the majority shareholder; and that is why it is a philanthropic foundation.

Each foundation has its own trust deed detailing the types of projects its supports. Both foundations have a duty to act responsibly and to be transparent in our dealings. As philanthropic foundations, we strive to support only the best applicants and projects. 

We accomplish this by being active participants in the society around us, being receptive and always working to make a positive, indelible mark.