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About UNIFOR: UNIFOR manages foundations that support research, higher education, culture and other public purposes. Established in 1993 by the University of Oslo, UNIFOR has developed into a long-term and responsible partner for foundations in Norway.

UNIFOR assists foundations with:

• Asset management

• Board administration and financial management

• Application processing and fund distribution

• Accounting and auditing

We manage foundations with a combined capital of more than 5 billion NOK. Our cost-efficient approach includes extensive use of digital communication, cloud-based solutions and shared economies in management, auditing and administration. As of the end of 2024, UNIFOR’s total cost was 0.17% of the total managed capital.

UNIFOR is a member of the Norwegian Association of Foundations on behalf of the foundations we administer.

Read more about UNIFOR’s services (NOR).

You can find our statutes here (NOR).

Foundations are often established with a long-term perspective, meaning their capital should be managed responsibly and sustainably.

Many foundations have a high capacity for long-term investment, as their boards determine when funds are distributed and they typically do not carry long-term debt.

Studies show that over 95% of investment returns relative to a reference index can be explained by asset allocation. Each foundation determines its own balance between equities and bonds.

Investment Analysis

UNIFOR does not provide direct investment advice but performs analyses to guide foundations in making long-term investment decisions. The approach is based on index-based and sustainable investment strategies with low costs and long-term value preservation.

Key points:

• Allocation: 40–70% global equities, 60–30% global bonds

• Expected nominal return: 6–7%

• Moderate risk profile

• Costs: 0.1–0.3%

• Focus on responsible and sustainable allocation

Read UNIFOR’s investment analysis here (NOR).

Sustainable Investments and Responsible Management

Foundations may base their investment strategies on the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global’s principles for good governance and responsible investment. Many foundations administered by UNIFOR choose sustainable investment strategies.

Read more about UNIFOR’s responsible investment policies (NOR).

UNIFOR prepares accounts, financial statements and annual reports, and ensures mandatory audit submissions to the Brønnøysund Register Centre.

UNIFOR has a framework agreement with PKF Revisjon, which ensures low auditing costs for foundations.

Hans Jørgen Stang
Chief Executive Officer

Rolf Westad
Head of Accounting

Cecilie Lydersen
Senior Advisor

Julia Larsen
Office Administrator

The Board of UNIFOR is appointed by the University Board at the University of Oslo (UiO) and also serves as the board for foundations affiliated with UiO. The board ensures responsible management, grant allocation and administration.

Board Composition

Leif Helmich Pedersen, Chair

Stine M. Ulven, Deputy Chair

Benedicte Bakke Agerup

Christina Stray

Einar Lie

Anders Malthe-Sørenssen

For further information about Norwegian foundations, visit The Norwegian Foundation Authority (Stiftelsestilsynet).