Masterclass on Foundations - Trends, Effective Dialogue, and Strong Applications
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
What are foundations looking for in 2026, and how do you build the best possible relationship with them in order to submit the strongest possible application?
Danish charitable foundations have become significant actors in society, with growing assets, strong strategic ambitions, and a high degree of transparency. In this masterclass, we take a closer look at the contribution foundations make to society and their different views on value creation as they take responsibility for Denmark’s development - in ways that distinguish them from the state, the private sector, and civil society.
Key Topics:
Theories of Change and Impact: Get updated on private foundations’ priorities and their views on impact through different theories of change, which you can apply in your foundation strategy and applications.
Understanding the Fourth Path to Value Creation: Learn how the foundations’ approach is unique compared with other societal actors such as the public sector, businesses, and civil society.
Strategic Influence and Social Responsibility: Hear how foundations actively contribute to societal development through mechanisms such as governance, transparency, and political influence.
Future Scenarios for Danish Foundations: Explore new megatrends and critical dynamics that may shape the future of foundation work in Denmark.
Foundation Trends and Value Creation
Peter Bentzon, Head of Secretariat, Danish Tennis Foundation
Peter gives us an introduction to foundation work, trends, and theories of change, drawing on his many years of experience working with foundations, as editor of Markus Bjørn Kraft’s book The Fourth Path to Value Creation, and as foundation advisor on BARC projects.
Key Takeaways
Foundations as Strategic Societal Actors:
Foundations operate with strong persistence and independence from the political system and increasingly work strategically through roles such as donor, partner, driver, alliance-builder, and social investor. Applicants are also increasingly seen as important sources of knowledge input for the foundations’ work.
Put the End User First - Cultural Institutions’ Legitimacy and the Role of Audiences:
Cultural institutions should increasingly allow themselves to be shaped by their audiences rather than trying to “educate” them. Legitimacy is created through user representation, relevance, and documented value creation - not through a preconceived assumption that art and culture are automatically beneficial to society. This raises the question: Who decides when art is relevant and value-creating?
Download Peter Bentzon’s presentation here:
Inside the Foundation Director’s Engine Room
Heidi Sørensen, CEO of the Egmont Foundation
The Egmont Foundation primarily works within the social sector, but with several initiatives that overlap with the cultural field, such as the project Reading Lift (Læseløfter). Heidi gives us insight into how the foundation balances applicants, partners, alliances, and public administration. We also gain practical insight: How do you best approach foundations if you have a strong project - and what should you avoid doing?
Key Takeaways
Foundations on the Edge of the Welfare State - but with an Agenda-Setting Role:
Foundations balance being independent while taking social responsibility. They operate on the edge of the welfare state, support voluntary initiatives, and seek through partnerships and public affairs to shape the national agenda - for example around children’s and young people’s wellbeing.
Collaboration and Clear Purpose Drive the Work:
Different foundation models and statutes shape how foundations operate, but what they share is a focus on targeted causes (e.g. reducing deprivation, education for all, stronger participation, and democratic understanding) and alliances with public actors to create lasting change.
The Impact of Alliances and the Power of a Strong Theory of Change
Christian Engel Brund, Head of Engagement at Learning Agency Forstå
Christian gives us a practical insight into how foundation-supported projects are developed through strong partnerships and anchored in the intersection between education, business, and societal agendas. He focuses on how to turn foundation funding into concrete learning, engagement, and measurable social value — from idea development to partnership creation in close collaboration with foundations to drive change.
Key Takeaways
Do Not Build Alliances for the Sake of Alliances:
Strong partnerships must be built on shared goals, solid anchoring, and documented impact — not simply on collaboration itself.
Long-Term, Data-Driven Impact with Target Group Involvement:
Forstå works strategically with long-term initiatives, data, and direct involvement of children and young people to develop sustainable solutions in the education sector.
Download Christian Engel Brunds presentation here:
Fundraising for CPH Light Festival
Carsten Mørch-Bentzen, Professional Fundraiser, CPH Light Festival
Carsten shares insights into his long-term and successful fundraising work for CPH Light Festival and the development of the festival’s new foundation strategy. What has the strategy required in terms of organisation and alliances, and how did they succeed? What successes and challenges has the team encountered along the way? Carsten also offers practical advice based on his experience from other projects, such as Salonerne på Gisselfeld.
Key Takeaways
Fundraising as Project Maturation - Not Chasing Money:
The focus should be on passion, quality, and making a real difference: maturing projects, asking critical questions, and ensuring strong content before applying - not adapting ideas to foundations, but staying true to your project.
Data, Relationships, and Long-Term Partnerships:
Solid documentation (impact, finances, audience insight) combined with a focus on a few close foundation relationships creates lasting support and sustainable funding.
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