In 2024, the Foundation decided to focus its donations on three strategic categories: Water & Development, Research & Innovation and Social Inclusion. Furthermore, Community Engagement Grants and Awards are separate categories.
In 2024, the Foundation committed DKK 295 million for philanthropic projects. The Foundation spent 47 per cent of the donations in Denmark, mainly within Research & Innovation and Social Inclusion.
- See also: List of donations
Water & Development
The Foundation understands water as a fundamental prerequisite for human development and quality of life, and providing access to water reduces inequality and societal improvement. Since Poul Due Jensen built his first pump in 1945, Grundfos has been a pioneer in providing innovative and sustainable water solutions.
Our aspiration is to increase societal resilience in relation to water challenges and the accelerating effects of climate change for people living in places where water is a challenge.
- In 2024, 42 per cent of the Foundation’s donations fell within the Water & Development category (DKK 123 million).
In addition to providing access to water and sanitation in rural and refugee communities, the Foundation teamed up with other donors to ensure holistic efforts in areas such as health, local food production and education.
Research & Innovation
The Foundation follows the founder’s view that the world is full of problems that can be solved in a better way. Relentless innovation was the driving force for our founder, Poul Due Jensen. Innovative and ground-breaking technologies contributing to solving the world’s water and climate challenges have always been a recipe for success at Grundfos – always in close collaboration with leading researchers.
Our aspiration is to create knowledge and solutions for the world’s water-related challenges and rethink future industrial production with a transition towards sustainability and a circular economy.
- In 2024, Research & Innovation received 29 per cent of the grants (DKK 85 million).
Social Inclusion
The Foundation believes in the fundamental value of communities. Everybody needs to feel part of a community, and everybody can contribute to communities and society. In 1968, when Poul Due Jensen set up one of the world’s first privately held sheltered workshops, he created a new inclusive space for marginalised people. It was a groundbreaking way of understanding human resources and the value of being part of a community.
Our aspiration is to create opportunities for people who have lost their sense of belonging by improving well-being and addressing deeply rooted systemic inequalities.
In 2024, Social Inclusion received 16 per cent of the grants (DKK 48 million).
Community Engagement/Other
Grundfos colleagues worldwide have the opportunity to live the founder’s values through volunteering and by applying for funding on behalf of their local community through the Foundation’s Community Engagement Grant.
- In 2024, Community Engagement Grants received 7 per cent of the grants (DKK 22 million).
We invest in Bjerringbro and the surrounding area to develop and support relevant institutions and social causes closely aligned with the values of the founder. The Foundation also awards the Grundfos Prize, Grundfos Prize student awards and Grundfos People Awards.
- Other activities including local engagement and awards received 6 per cent of the grants (DKK 17 million).