About Realdania
Realdania is a strategic foundation created with the objective of initiating and supporting philanthropic projects that improve the built environment.
In 2005 Realdania made philanthropic donations and investments for approx. EUR 140 million.
We are currently involved in approx. 50 strategic flagship projects and more than 230 focus projects. The total economy of these activities amounts to more than EUR 840 million, Realdania finances about 40%.
Realdania was established in late 2000 following a merger between two large financial institutions. The assets of Realdania are approx. EUR 4 billion. The Supervisory Board has decided that the real value of the assets is to be preserved and that the earnings after tax and administration can be donated according to the above objectives.
The built environment
The term ”the built environment” applies to practically all man-made, physical installations in Denmark – from buildings and city spaces to cultural landscapes and traffic and energy systems. Realdania supports a broad variety of projects – ranging from the construction of new buildings to the transformation of city spaces and buildings, the establishment of research centres and the communication of knowledge about the built environment.
Mission and Values
The Realdania strategy is carried out according to the following mission and values:
Mission: Realdania creates quality of life for the common good through the built environment.
Values: To promote development and change, dialogue and knowledge, partnerships and networks. To take initiatives and to be proactive.
Strategic philanthropy
Our mission is realized through a multitude of philanthropic initiatives that all share a common strategic focus. Realdania projects focus on issues of general interest, they set new norms and are oriented towards communication and research. In order to be a part of the process from initial conception of an idea to the final result, Realdania often chooses to participate actively in the projects.
According to the Realdania by-laws the foundation can ”support purposes of public utility and common good, primarily within the built environment, throughout Denmark – and in special cases abroad.”
Investment strategy
Realdania also runs substantial investment activities. The main purpose of these activities is to secure the largest possible returns on the assets of Realdania over time, namely returns that are at least large enough to:
- Secure the actual value of the initial capital
- Pay taxes
- Cover philanthropic grants and philanthropic investments
Pay administration expenses