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VELUX Stiftung – Swiss Charitable Foundation Advancing Research for Societal Impact

Introduction – Overview of VELUX Stiftung

VELUX Stiftung is an independent charitable foundation based in Zürich, Switzerland, dedicated to supporting innovative and interdisciplinary research that fosters sustainable and long-term positive impacts for society. The foundation focuses on areas that are often underfunded and aims to fund research with the potential to translate discoveries into real-world change.

History and Background

Founding and Founder

VELUX Stiftung was established in 1980 by Danish engineer and entrepreneur Villum Kann Rasmussen, the inventor of the original VELUX roof window and founder of V. Kann Rasmussen & Co. The foundation was created as one of several philanthropic vehicles tied to the VKR Group, with the purpose of reinvesting resources into research and societal benefit.

Evolution and Foundations Network

VELUX Stiftung is part of a broader family of foundations rooted in the philanthropic legacy of Rasmussen, including sister foundations in Denmark and the United States. Over time, it has built a reputation for supporting research that tackles neglected or complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.

Mission and Purpose

  • Core Mission
    • The mission of VELUX Stiftung is to support pioneering research that has the potential to create lasting, positive change for humanity. Emphasizing discovery, transfer, and impact, the foundation prioritizes projects that:
      • Address significant knowledge gaps
      • Use interdisciplinary and innovative methods
      • Promote real-world change beyond academia

This includes both external research grants and foundation-driven projects such as workshops and collaborative platforms.

  • Focus on Transfer and Impact
    • Unlike traditional academic funding, VELUX Stiftung places strong emphasis on the transfer of knowledge — ensuring that research findings are communicated effectively to audiences capable of fostering practical change.

 Governance and Structure

  •  Independent Foundation Framework
    • VELUX Stiftung operates as an independent charitable foundation governed by its own board and leadership team. Its grantmaking and research strategies are determined autonomously, free from commercial, political, religious, or other external influences.
  •  Strategic Focus and Oversight
    • The foundation’s governance structure enables a long-term perspective on research funding, strategic program development, and financial stewardship, aligning its activities around the foundation’s mission and areas of societal need.

Funding and Grants

VELUX Stiftung funds research across four major thematic areas, often through multi-year grants supporting project teams worldwide.

  •  Daylight Research
    • This flagship funding area supports interdisciplinary research exploring the societal, environmental, architectural, and health effects of natural daylight. Grants in this area encourage innovation at the intersection of ecology, human wellbeing, urban design, and energy systems.
  • Healthy Ageing
    • Healthy ageing research targets projects that investigate how individuals and societies can adapt to ageing populations, with a focus on promoting longevity, quality of life, and systemic wellbeing.
  •  Ophthalmology
    • The foundation funds projects aimed at addressing visual impairment and eye health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), emphasizing both research innovation and institutional capacity building.

 Forestry

VELUX Stiftung’s forestry program supports sustainable forest management research, focusing on biodiversity, climate resilience, ecosystem services, and knowledge transfer between science and practice.

External Project Grants

External project grants typically support interdisciplinary teams working on topics aligned with the foundation’s research themes. Grants often span one to four years with budgets around CHF 50,000–100,000 per project year.

Major Programs and Initiatives

  • Interdisciplinary Workshops and Platforms
    • Beyond conventional grants, VELUX Stiftung supports interdisciplinary workshops, conferences, and collaborative platforms designed to connect researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers. These activities reinforce knowledge transfer and co-creation of solutions.
  • Daylight Academy and Awareness Campaigns
    • The foundation also supports initiatives like the Daylight Academy and public awareness weeks to promote understanding of daylight’s importance in human health, architecture, and ecosystem sustainability.
  • Strategic Project Support
    • VELUX Stiftung occasionally initiates foundational projects beyond standard external grants, especially when the opportunity for impact justifies broader engagement or institutional collaboration.

Impact and Examples of Work Funded

In recent years, VELUX Stiftung has supported a wide range of impactful projects and research outcomes. In 2024, the foundation funded 27 projects with over CHF 9.2 million, including research in daylight exposure, healthy ageing processes, sustainable forestry practices, and ophthalmic innovations.

Examples of funded work include:

  • Forest resilience and biodiversity research integrating data and practice
  • Daylight’s role in urban environments and human health
  • Ophthalmological studies addressing visual health systems
  • Healthy ageing investigations spanning social and biological dimensions

These activities illustrate the foundation’s commitment to interdisciplinary research with societal impact.

Funding Strategy and Financial Stewardship

VELUX Stiftung’s investment policy is aligned with its mission, with assets managed to generate returns while complying with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles and broader sustainability standards. The foundation actively implements an investment strategy that minimizes exposure to controversial industries while encouraging positive environmental and social outcomes.

At the end of 2024, its portfolio was valued at approximately CHF 233.9 million, with continued efforts to balance financial performance and mission alignment.

Conclusion – Driving Research for Real-World Change

VELUX Stiftung stands out as a global research funding foundation dedicated to interdisciplinary inquiry, real-world knowledge transfer, and impactful solutions to complex societal challenges. With a legacy rooted in innovation and a strategic funding approach, the foundation continues to support research that shapes healthier, more sustainable futures for communities worldwide.

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