The board meeting was held as a Teams meeting, and the focus was on information of progress on initiatives.
The Strategy – Let’s work it out together
The Let’s work it out together strategy is progressing well, and the foundation now experiences more applications due to greater visibility as well as enhanced engagement when communicating and asking employees to participate in various activities.
The results of the VELUX Global Employee Survey were presented, and it shows that there is still room for improvement in some of the functional areas. The Employee Foundation is planning a more targeted communication making it easier for managers to understand and communicate about the grant areas.
Year-to-date development 2025
The costs follow the set budget. Despite the increasing trend in the number of applications, there is satisfactory liquidity to cover the grants. The financial markets have been unexpectedly volatile during the first half of 2025 due to US tariffs and strained relations with allies. However, as time has progressed, market trading has recovered. As a result, year-to-date developments are near zero and will continue to be monitored closely.
Grants
At the meeting, the Board decided on 278 grants: Approximately DKK 4.1 million for employee purposes (133 grants related to unfortunate incidents and 83 educational grants), and approximately DKK 1.26 million for 62 community projects.
Proactive Health Screenings
35 applications from VKR Group companies regarding proactive health screenings within cardio-vascular diseases, cancer or diabetes for employees and their partners were approved; total value of grants are approx. DKK 7.0 million. Screenings will be organised locally and take place by end of May 2026. Expectedly, more than 12,000 employees and partners will get a health screening and thus proactively work for improved health and well-being.
Summer Photo Competition
In the beginning of July, the Employee Foundation launches a photo competition, which runs until 15 August, where employees are encouraged to submit photos of how they enjoy outdoor summer moments – while staying healthy and safe! We hope for many creative photos so that we can send well-deserved prizes to the winners.
Live a Dream
The board selected 18 employees who are offered to go to Poland in September 2025 to participate as volunteers in this year’s Live a Dream building project where empty spaces will be converted to homes for vulnerable families. The project is made in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity. The lucky employees and their respective recommendation committee will be notified directly.
In-kind donations of VELUX products and Dobroplast products will be installed in the building prior to the volunteering event.
The board decided to integrate a “Donate your steps” activity with Live a Dream, where the Employee Foundation will donate an amount to Habitat for Humanity, based on the total number of steps. This initiative allows more employees to support Habitat for Humanity during the week when the 18 volunteers work on the construction site.
Dare to Dream
The board discussed progress in the “Dare to Dream” program – a youth camp for 50 employees’ children aged 16-25 to provide guidance to those needing direction in their lives, education, or career paths. The youth camp will be held in Spring 2026 with application deadline mid-October 2025. Communication will begin early September.
Reconnect with Nature
16 applications were received for the Reconnect with Nature program, primarily regarding establishment of town parks or projects involving shelters. Based on initial screening, the Board decided to move forward with 12 projects for 2nd round and final decision at the next board meeting.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 1-2 October 2025.
