Foundations that provide funding and grants for green projects – Denmark and EU
There are several foundations and funding schemes that Danish companies can apply to for activities that create a greener and more sustainable world. With the list below you will find an overview of grants for green projects.
Companies can benefit from applying for foundations because, in addition to financial support and funding for projects, you can gain access to knowledge, expertise and networks that can help you develop and implement green projects more efficiently.
Finally, support from foundations can also increase visibility and credibility, which can strengthen a company’s reputation and image.
We’ve gathered some of the most important ones here. The list is long, so we reserve the right to assume that some may be outdated or the link is incorrect.
Updated June 12, 2023. Write to us if something is missing or needs to be changed.
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The list: Grants and subsidies for green projects
Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO)
A result of the merger of the state bodies Danish Growth Fund, Export Credit Denmark and the Green Investment Fund to create a fund with even stronger muscles. They say they are Danish companies’ single point of access to risk tolerant government funding, working to support the business successes that can make Denmark richer and the world greener.
Environmental Technology Development and Demonstration Program (MUDP)MUDP is a grant scheme that supports the development and demonstration of new environmental technologies and solutions in Denmark. The program focuses on promoting innovation and sustainability in companies and society as a whole.
Denmark’s Green Investment FundThe fund is now merged with Vækstfonden and EKF Export Credit Denmark (see under EIFO) and is a government fund that supports investments in green technologies and projects in Denmark. The fund aims to promote the green transition in Denmark and can, for example, support companies that develop and implement sustainable energy solutions.
The Innovation Fund: Innovation Fund Denmark supports research and innovation in Danish companies and research institutions. The fund has a number of programs that can support companies with a focus on climate and the environment, including energy and environmental technologies and industrial research and development. Check out the programs Missionsbooster, Innobooster and Innofounder, among others.
RealDaniaRealDania is a philanthropic organization that supports projects and initiatives that make Denmark a better place to live and work. The organization focuses on sustainability and climate and can support companies working with green transition and sustainable development.
The Climate FundThe Climate Fund is a private foundation that supports initiatives and projects that can reduce CO2 emissions and promote sustainability. The purpose of the fund is to contribute to the green transition and can, for example, support companies with financing for green projects.
Denmark’s Green Future Fund
In 2020, Denmark’s Green Future Fund was adopted in the Finance Act to support national and global green transition, including the development and dissemination of technologies, the conversion of energy systems to renewable energy, storage and efficient use of energy, etc. and the promotion of global export of green technology, especially within wind.
Environmental and climate technology 2022 aims to reduce the environmental impact of primary agricultural production. In addition, the scheme has one focus area with the aim of improving animal welfare.
https://lbst.dk/tilskud-selvbetjening/tilskudsguide/miljoe-og-klimateknologi-2022
Green Development and Demonstration Program (GUDP)Green Development and Demonstration Program (GUDP) supports innovative projects that promote green and economic sustainability in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and the food industry. GUDP is led by a minister-appointed board of directors and its members are business professionals from across the food sector. The program is part of the Danish Agricultural Agency in the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.
Arkaia
Arkaia is an independent impact investor and developer driving innovation in sustainable and resilient food for the world through research grants, venture capital and development.
KR Foundation
KR Foundation supports projects that have a positive impact on the climate and environment and supports projects where neither governments nor market players have incentives to act. KR Foundation’s grants typically range from DKK 2m to DKK 5m with a duration of up to approximately 3 years. Currently, the current priority themes are divesting from fossil fuels and reinvesting in sustainability and eliminating fossil fuel subsidies. They do not accept unsolicited applications.
Psst: We’re a PR agency with a focus on greentech. Read our ESG report here and our 3-in-1 impact technology PR package here.
Links to overviews of foundations and funding schemes
Environmental Protection Agency grant schemes
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency has a wide range of grant schemes that aim to support different types of environmental activities. Find an overview here.
https://mst.dk/service/kontakt/tilskudsordninger/
The Danish Energy Agency’s subsidy and support schemes:
Overview of all support schemes for renewable energy and new energy technologies.
Among other things: The EUDP program (https://ens.dk/ansvarsomraader/forskning-udvikling/eudp), a funding scheme from the Danish Energy Agency that supports the development and demonstration of new energy technologies. The program can support companies with funding for renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy system integration projects.
https://ens.dk/service/tilskuds-stoetteordninger
Government Grant PoolsThe state of Denmark has various subsidy schemes, which can also be found via statens-tilskudspuljer.dk, where you can search for “green”, for example, and find more options. It is managed by the Danish Agency for Economic and Financial Affairs.
https://www.statens-tilskudspuljer.dk/Sider/Puljer.aspx?k=gr%C3%B8n
Technology Development: Teknologiudvikling.dk is a private portal that was founded to make an opaque market for public funding schemes more accessible to the business community. It’s a free service that brings together information about funding schemes and gives you an overview of deadlines.
https://www.teknologiudvikling.dk/energi-milj%C3%B8-og-klima
EU funds and support schemes
European Innovation Council (EIC): The EIC supports innovative projects and businesses in the EU by providing funding and advice. There are also opportunities to apply for funding for projects that promote sustainable technologies and solutions.
EU LIFE program: The EU LIFE program supports initiatives and projects that contribute to environmental protection, nature conservation and sustainable development. For example, the program can support companies with funding for innovative environmental technologies and solutions.
https://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/
Horizon Europe: Horizon Europe is the largest EU program for research and innovation, offering funding for innovative projects that can contribute to the green transition. The program also supports partnerships between companies, research institutions and other organizations.
https://ec.europa.eu/info/horizon-europe_en
European Investment BankThe European Investment Bank (EIB) is the public bank for the EU and offers financing for investments in projects that can contribute to sustainable development and climate goals. The EIB can support businesses with loans, guarantees and other financial instruments.
European Investment Fund (EIF): The EIF is part of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and supports the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovative start-ups in the EU. The EIF also has programs that focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable projects.
Interreg Europe: The Interreg program supports transnational, transregional and interregional cooperation projects in a number of themes, including environment and sustainability. The program can provide funding for projects that promote a green and sustainable economy.
https://www.interregeurope.eu/
European Energy Efficiency Fund (EEEF): EEEF supports energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that can reduce CO2 emissions. The fund focuses primarily on projects in Central and Eastern Europe, but Danish companies can also apply.
European Sustainable Development Fund Plus (ESDF+)ESDF+ finances projects that contribute to sustainable development in the EU and other countries. In particular, the foundation supports projects that promote environmental protection and climate impact.
European Maritime and Fisheries FundEuropean Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) is a fund that supports the maritime sector in the EU and contributes to sustainable development and protection of the marine environment. The fund’s focus areas include sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and marine environmental protection. EMFF can support companies in the maritime sector with funding for green projects and innovation.
https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/emff_en
European Social Fund Plus (ESF+)ESF+ supports projects that aim to improve employment and social inclusion in Europe. They also provide opportunities to apply for funding for projects that promote green and sustainable growth.
https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=325
European Fund for Regional Development (ERDF)The ERDF supports the development of regions in the EU and invests in projects that can generate economic growth and job creation. There are also opportunities to apply for funding for projects that contribute to sustainable urban development and green technologies.
https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/erdf/
The list is made by Kemp & Kjær. Our PR agency focuses on sustainability communication, among other things. You might also want to read our post on communicating about regenerative business.
