Foreningen FISKEN

What Foreningen FISKEN does

Foreningen FISKEN is a Danish non-profit association (forening) founded in 1988 and headquartered at Ingerslevsgade 108 on Vesterbro in Copenhagen, Denmark. The organization provides a free, open-access portfolio of youth services for people aged 13-24, with particular focus on those from immigrant, refugee, or otherwise disadvantaged backgrounds. Core service lines include a drop-in community space (Værested) offering communal meals and activities, a Fritidsjob (part-time job) placement program, a volunteer-based Mentor program for ages 18-24, free Citizenship and Residence Permit counseling, Social Worker consultation, and school-based outreach workshops. All services are free to youth, require no appointment or referral, and are designed to interconnect so that staff and volunteers can guide users across offerings as their needs evolve. The organization's underlying methodology is a narrative pedagogical approach ("narrativ anerkendelsestilgang") centered on the "Det fælles tredje" (The Common Third) framework, using shared creative activities and meals as vehicles for relationship-building and trust with vulnerable youth.

FISKEN is delivered by a small paid staff of 8 supplemented by approximately 35 volunteers contributing roughly 2,805 hours annually, with interns adding capacity. In 2021, the organization relocated to premises 50 square meters larger than its previous 25-year home, and in 2022 it operated expanded programming including Make My Friday for newcomers, Onsdagsklub at SOSU H, the Jobhaj online job-application portal, and Online Undervisning delivered via Microsoft Teams. FISKEN maintains direct job-placement relationships with 85+ companies (including GRØD, VEGA, Flowers Copenhagen, Starbucks, and Fisketorvet) and serves youth originating from approximately 30 different Danish municipalities. The organization has won three major Danish awards between 2019-2020 (Fællesskabsprisen 2020, Den Kriminalpræventive Pris 2019, Frivillighedsprisen 2019), and external research (VIVE) indicates youth receiving FISKEN's job guidance have roughly 3x greater probability of obtaining employment.

The business model is that of a non-profit NGO. FISKEN is financed primarily through grants from approximately ten major Danish foundations — including Trygfonden, Augustinus Fonden, Hempel Fonden, Lauritzen Fonden, Det Obelske Familiefond, Tuborgfondet, Ebbefos Fonden, Metro-Schrøder-Fonden, Simon Spies Fonden, and Lemvigh-Müller Fonden — supplemented by municipal funding from Copenhagen Kommune (via departments including Beskæftigelses- og integrationsforvaltningen, Børne- og ungeforvaltningen, and Paragraf 18). A tiered corporate membership program called FiskeVenner (4,000-16,000 DKK annually depending on company size) provides a smaller but diversifying commercial CSR revenue stream, while individual supporters can purchase Vesterbroaktien social share certificates at 153 DKK each.

Name

Foreningen FISKEN

Legal name

Foreningen FISKEN

Website

https://fisken.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Foreningen FISKEN is a Danish non-profit NGO that provides free youth services — part-time job placement, mentorship, citizenship counseling, and community space — for people aged 13-24, particularly those from immigrant or refugee backgrounds. Funded by foundation grants and corporate memberships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Social Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL)

Keywords

• Youth social services
• Community center
• Mentor programs
• Youth employment
• Nonprofit association

Headquarters

HQ city

Copenhagen V

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Foundation and Fund Grants: FISKEN is financed entirely through foundation grants and municipal funds. Major funders include Ebbefos Fonden, Ville Heises Legat, Hempel Fonden, Trygfonden, Det Obelske Familiefond, Augustinus Fonden, Lauritzen Fonden, Metro-Schrøder-Fonden, Simon Spies Fonden, and Lemvigh-Müller Fonden. Also receives Paragraf 18 funding from Socialstyrelsen and Copenhagen Municipality.
2. Corporate Membership (FiskeVenner): Corporate membership program called FiskeVenner where companies pay annual fees (4,000-16,000 DKK depending on size) for CSR engagement, access to youth for recruitment, training sessions, and networking events.
3. Social Shares (Vesterbroaktien): Social share certificates (Vesterbroaktien) sold for 153 DKK as a way for individuals to support FISKEN's work with young people.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Foreningen FISKEN is a Danish non-profit association that provides free, in-person community services to young people aged 13-24 in Copenhagen. Its core offerings include a drop-in community space (Værested), part-time job assistance (Fritidsjob), a mentor program, citizenship and residence permit guidance, social worker consultations, and school presentations. The organization is funded through foundation grants, municipal funds, donations, and a corporate membership program (FiskeVenner).

Product overview

Foreningen FISKEN is a non-profit NGO offering a comprehensive portfolio of free youth services centered on three pillars: community/fellowship, employment (part-time jobs), and education. The organization operates as a single integrated service model with multiple interconnected offerings: Værested provides an open community space for social connection; Fritidsjob assists with job-seeking and placement; Mentor pairs young people with volunteer mentors; Statsborgerskab helps with residence and citizenship applications; Socialrådgiver offers social work counseling; and various supplementary programs like Skoleoplæg, Jobcafé, Make My Friday, and online education extend the reach. The FiskeVenner corporate membership program provides a funding channel while enabling employer engagement with youth talent. All services target young people aged 13-24 and are designed to interconnect, with staff and volunteers guiding youth across multiple offerings as their needs evolve.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Værested (Drop-in Community Space) A free, in-person drop-in community space in Copenhagen for young people aged 13-24, providing a safe environment to socialize, access support, and connect with staff and volunteers.
• Fritidsjob Assistance Free assistance for young people in finding part-time jobs, including guidance on applications, employer connections, and work-readiness support. Aimed at Copenhagen youth aged 13-24.
• Mentor Program A structured mentorship program pairing young people aged 13-24 with adult mentors for personal, educational, or career guidance. Delivered locally in Copenhagen.
• Citizenship and Residence Permit Guidance Free guidance for young people navigating Danish citizenship and residence permit processes, including understanding requirements and procedural steps.
• Social Worker Consultation Free, confidential consultations with social workers for young people aged 13-24 facing personal, family, or social challenges. Delivered in person at the Copenhagen association.
• School Presentations Outreach presentations delivered in Copenhagen schools to introduce the association's services to young people aged 13-24 and connect them with available support.
• FiskeVenner Corporate Membership A corporate membership program ("FiskeVenner" / Fish Friends) that allows Copenhagen-area companies to financially support the association's youth work and align their brand with youth causes.

Quantifiable outcome

• In 2021: 909 individual guidance conversations, 65 events reaching 600+ youth, 70+ youth helped with citizenship/residence applications
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• StarbucksminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Spring 2022 new business partnership where Starbucks employs FISKEN-referred youth for part-time jobs.
• FisketorvetminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Spring 2022 new business partnership where shopping center Fisketorvet employs FISKEN-referred youth for part-time jobs.
• Jobcenter KøbenhavncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Long-term partnership with Copenhagen Jobcenter's part-time job initiative. In collaboration, many FISKEN youth have been successfully placed in both private and municipal part-time jobs in cafes, shops, kindergartens, and care homes.
• FGU HovedstadencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Referral partnership where FGU Hovedstaden sends students to FISKEN for help with part-time jobs, mentor matching, and citizenship/residence permit applications. Students report feeling well-treated and receiving needed help.
• VEGAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019VEGA actively works with backstage talent development and values their collaboration with FISKEN helping young people enter the work environment. VEGA recognizes the importance of creating spaces where all feel welcome.
• SOSU HminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Referral partnership where SOSU H refers students who need support. The collaboration works optimally with flexible offerings and focus on helping. Students feel well-received and get help.
• GRØDminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019Food company that employs young people from FISKEN. Reports young employees make tremendous effort, spread great energy, and represent an investment in the future.
• Ungdommens Røde KorsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Collaboration where staff from FISKEN and volunteers from Ungdommens Røde Kors have conducted various workshop programs for youth. Good dialogue and coordination about programs.
• WeDominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019Company that has found employees through FISKEN who have great motivation and drive. Reports positive experience finding staff with strong go-getter attitude.
• Borgercenter Børn og Unge (BBU) AmagerminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Civil society collaboration where BBU Amager refers citizens to FISKEN. Reports very good experiences with great responsiveness and close dialogue about how to communicate FISKEN's offerings.
• Partnerskabet i UrbanplanenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Housing area partnership where they exchange knowledge and experiences with FISKEN on part-time job initiatives important for giving youth a good start in working life.
• Københavns Kommunes UngdomsskoleminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Sends many students to FISKEN where they receive qualified help writing job applications, searching for part-time jobs, and learning about their rights in the Danish labor market.
• Erhvervsskolernes Elevorganisation (EEO)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Common interest in giving youth greater knowledge of vocational education through youth-to-youth presentations with EEO role models combined with FISKEN's guidance efforts.
• Områdefornyelsen KulbanekvarteretminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Close collaboration with FISKEN's part-time job placement. FISKEN uses an outreach approach connecting schools, youth clubs, and businesses. Has built trust so youth come to FISKEN for guidance.
• EgmontgårdenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Organization offering housing to people in vulnerable positions. Collaboration helps youth without shelter find accommodation while FISKEN provides mentorship and social support.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Dansk Flygtningehjælp (Danish Refugee Council): Major Danish NGO supporting refugees and immigrants with integration, education, and employment services. Significantly larger but operates in the same integration and youth employment space as FISKEN, particularly given that 76% of FISKEN's job-seeking youth have non-Danish backgrounds.
• Børns Vilkår: Larger Danish children's rights organization operating a national hotline, advocacy, and youth services. Operates in the same youth welfare space but with a broader mandate and national scope.

Direct peers

• Ungdommens Røde Kors (Danish Red Cross Youth): Danish Red Cross Youth, an active FISKEN partner that delivers youth-focused social programs nationwide. Highly comparable mission serving vulnerable young people through volunteer-driven community services.
• Kofoeds Skole: Copenhagen/Kastrup-based school for socially marginalized adults offering education, counseling, and community activities. Comparable pedagogical approach combining community building, practical support, and workforce integration.
• Headspace Danmark: Free, drop-in counseling service for Danish youth aged 12-25, covering mental health, wellbeing, and life challenges. Closely comparable free, no-referral, community-based model targeting the same demographic.
• Ventilen: Danish nonprofit dedicated to helping young people experiencing loneliness and social isolation through peer-based community support. Overlapping youth mental health and social inclusion mission.
• KFUM's Soldatermission: Danish YMCA-affiliated organization running youth social work, housing, and community programs targeting vulnerable young people. Similar faith/values-based youth development orientation.
• Den Sociale Retshjælp: Free legal aid organization assisting vulnerable people in Denmark, including youth, navigating bureaucracy and rights. Comparable free, volunteer-driven service model serving marginalized populations, with overlapping services in social work counseling.

Others

• UU Danmark: National municipal youth education guidance service. Adjacent ecosystem player that bridges schools and education/workforce pathways; both organizations operate in Danish youth career guidance.
• FGU – Forberedende Grunduddannelse: National government alternative education program for youth not in mainstream education. FISKEN's referral partner (FGU Hovedstaden) sends students to FISKEN for part-time job support, showing direct ecosystem relationship.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/foreningenfisken
• Instagraminstagram.com/foreningen_fisken
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/foreningenfisken

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Foreningen FISKEN