In many regions across the world, we saw a return to normal in 2022 after the pandemic. On the other hand, war came to Europe. After the shocking invasion of Ukraine, Grundfos and the Foundation acted swiftly to support NGOs and organisations in and around the country in reaching out to refugees. Humanitarian aid is still needed there and many other places. Unfortunately, the global water crisis is more present than ever before.
Focus: Women and water
In its 2022 Annual Review, the Foundation zooms in on the global water crisis and its impact on women and girls, who are disproportionately affected. They are responsible for collecting water for the household – a heavy and time-consuming burden that robs them of precious time which could be used for education or work.
In 2022, the Foundation also decided to enter into larger partnerships to improve water access and counter the devastating consequences of the global water crisis, among others with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, which is working to replace diesel-run pumps with solar-powered water pumps in refugee communities in six climate-vulnerable countries across Africa.
The world also needs more youth involvement in the water sector and was proud to support global youth participation and action at the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition 2022.
The Foundation’s 2022 Annual Review is out on 17 March 2023. Photo: Poul Due Jensens Fond
DKK 237 million for charity in 2022
In 2022, the Foundation committed DKK 237 million for philanthropic projects (against DKK 200 million in 2021) within a framework of 250 million (the framework runs from March 2022 to March 2023 and only donations made in 2022 are included in the donations list).
- The Foundation spent 38 per cent of the donations in Denmark, mainly within Research and Learning and Inclusion and Community Engagement
- 22 per cent were given to global purposes within Water and Sustainable Development and Awards (Grundfos People Awards and the Grundfos Prize).
- 21 per cent of the Foundation’s project funds went to Africa, 9 per cent to Asia (primarily water projects)
- 9 per cent of the Foundation’s project funds went to Europe and 1 per cent went to Americas (primarily disaster response and Community Engagement Grants).
DKK 250 million for philanthropy in 2023-24
The Foundation Board has decided a new framework of DKK 250 million for philanthropic projects within Water, research and Inclusionfor the next 12 months. Of these funds, DKK 25 million are earmarked for supporting local projects where employees in all of the Grundfos Group’s companies may apply for funding via the Poul Due Jensen Community Engagement Grant.
Together with Denmark’s National Olympic Committee, we have also started laying the foundation of a new partnership to fight youth unemployment through sports caled ‘Sport creates employment’, and the Foundation will continue its strong engagement with mission-driven research an learning, like we are doing with sustainable lake stewardship. There’s a clear benefit for our environment, but also potential for future business opportunities in the long term.
The new youth unemployment initiative ‘Sport creates employment’ will stand on the shoulders of DIF Soldier Project’s huge initiatives established in close collaboration with professional sports teams, municipalities, and companies, with the greater purpose of helping and support veterans facing mental health issues and unemployment. Photo: Henning Bagger
New Chairman elected
As of 15 March, The Grundfos Foundation has elected a new Chairman, as Jens Maaløe had to step down due to health issues. Jens Maaløe served on the Board from 2011-2017 and again from 2018. He was elected Chairman in 2019 and has also served several years on the Grundfos Holding Board of Directors. The Foundation’s new Chairman is previous Vice-Chairman Flemming Konradsen.
Flemming Konradsen is 58 years old, Professor of Global Health at the University of Copenhagen and Senior Vice President at Novo Nordisk Foundation. He was first elected to the Foundation Board in 2019 and became Vice-Chairman in 2020.
New Vice-Chairman is Jens Moberg.
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| Jens Maaløe (previous Chairman) | Flemming Konradsen (new Chairman) | Jens Moberg (new Vice-Chairman) |
The Grundfos Foundation (Poul Due Jensens Fond) is majority shareholder and owns around 88 percent of the shares in Grundfos.