Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors sets the overall financial framework for donations at the annual meeting in March, taking into account the Foundation’s total financial obligations.
The Board of Directors updates the Foundation’s donations strategy as part of its overall strategic deliberations.
The Board of Directors approves grant proposals put forward by the Donations Committee.
Responsibilities of the Donations Committee
The Donations Committee submits grant proposals for final approval by the Board of Directors.
The Donations Committee consists of four board members.
Responsibilities of the Executive Director
The Executive Director ensures that grant proposals are in line with the donations strategy.
The Executive Director ensures implementation of the approved grants.
The Executive Director ensures that the Foundation staff has access to the necessary skills and tools to make sure that the Foundation’s projects reach their intended purposes.
Philanthropy
The Foundation runs its philanthropic business through donations to areas that:
- are in harmony with the will and principles of the founder;
- contribute positively to the sustainable development of Grundfos and the surrounding community;
- contribute to the pride of Grundfos’ employees
- affect society and strengthen relationships that support Grundfos’ work;
- maintain the Foundation and Grundfos as socio-bearing entities.
The Foundation’s donations are given primarily in three areas:
- Research and Learning
The Foundation supports selected research environments, especially within natural and technical science and initiatives that inspire children and young people to explore science and technology. - Water and Sustainable Development
The Foundation strives to provide access to affordable drinking water and sanitation for the world’s poorest. The aim is to contribute to reducing global inequality. - Inclusion and Community Engagement
The Foundation focuses on the Central Jutland Region and the municipalities that are close to Grundfos’ home in Bjerringbro and supports Grundfos companies all over the world building local partnerships with organisations, institutions and associations.
Grants from the Foundation must first and foremost benefit the intended beneficiaries.
A project may very well cover several areas. For example, it is desirable that follow-up research be linked to projects within water and social inclusion. Likewise, initiatives in the field of water also contribute to social inclusion – in the form of, for example, local workplaces and improved communities.
The Foundation not only supports fully designed projects, but also concept development, studies, project and product development.
As a general rule, the Foundation does not support:
Construction costs (laboratory purposes excluded), operation and administration, buildings (maintenance/renovation or new construction), competence development of participating employees in the project.