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Foundations in Norway are self-owned capital entities established to pursue a specific purpose. They may support research, education, culture, or other socially beneficial activities, depending on their bylaws. As there are many types of foundations in Norway, those managed by UNIFOR form part of this broader landscape, with a focus on long-term value creation for society.

A foundation is created when assets — often a monetary gift or a bequest — are set aside for an idealistic, humanitarian, cultural, social, educational, or similar purpose. Unlike other legal forms, foundations have neither owners nor members. Instead, they are governed by a board responsible for ensuring that the purpose is fulfilled and that the capital is managed prudently.

The board is the foundation’s highest governing body. It must:

• manage the foundation and its funds

• ensure that the purpose is fulfilled through grants or other measures

• plan how the funds can best be used over time

A foundation may distribute funds in several ways, for example:

• through open calls where applicants compete for support

• through direct grants to specific recipients

• through awarding prizes or scholarships

However, not all foundations distribute funds every year. The amount that can be allocated depends on the size of the capital and the return on investments.

The most important role of a foundation is to fulfill its purpose. These purposes vary widely. For example, foundations may contribute to:

• supporting research and education

• advancing medical development

• promoting art and culture

• enabling public-benefit initiatives such as social support or environmental measures

The Norwegian Foundations Act sets strict requirements for capital management. The board must ensure a solid investment strategy that balances security with the potential for good returns. In this way, the foundation can contribute to social benefit both today and in the future.

The goal for foundations managed by UNIFOR is to manage capital in a way that safeguards the purpose while also creating lasting value for society.

UNIFOR manages more than 230 foundations, with capital ranging from NOK 1 million to over NOK 250 million. About 130 of these are affiliated with the University of Oslo, while others are connected to NTNU, NMBU, the Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo University Hospital, or are private foundations.

Their purposes are wide-ranging and include, among others:

Research and education

We administer foundations that benefit university environments at UiO, NTNU, NMBU, and the Norwegian Academy of Music. In addition, some foundations — such as the Nansen Funds — are also open to applicants from other universities and research environments.

Medical research

The largest foundations we administer support medical research, including the Director Throne Holst Foundation for Nutrition Research, the Trondheim Foundation for Neuroscientific Research, and the Anders Jahre Fund for the Advancement of Science.

Art and music

We also administer the Fegersten Foundations, which announce grants every other year for Norwegian visual artists, musicians, and composers.

Public-benefit purposes

We also manage foundations that support public-benefit purposes through grants to financially disadvantaged individuals, recreational initiatives for nurses, and the beautification of outdoor areas.

The Foundation Register

The Foundation Register provides an overview of all registered foundations in Norway. It is operated by the Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority.

The Norwegian Association of Foundations

The Norwegian Association of Foundations (SF) is an independent interest organization and meeting place for Norwegian foundations.