What Hempel Foundation does

Hempel Foundation is a Danish philanthropic foundation established in 1948 by J.C. Hempel, who transferred all shares of Hempel A/S into the foundation to ensure stable long-term ownership. Today, the Foundation is the majority owner of the global Hempel Group, a coatings company with 8,000 employees operating across 80 countries, and receives dividends from this ownership alongside returns from a diversified investment portfolio (including listed shares, bonds, credit, real estate, private equity, and impact investments). The Foundation itself operates with a lean team of approximately 37 staff based in Copenhagen, governed by a 9-member Board (6 elected, 3 employee-elected).

The Foundation's philanthropic activities span five interconnected areas: (1) Education, partnering with organizations such as UNICEF, Save the Children, Gates Foundation, and VVOB to improve foundational literacy and numeracy in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (supported more than 600,000 children in 2025); (2) Biodiversity, supporting conservation in Atlantic Forests, Eastern Afromontane, Madagascar, and Indonesia through partnerships with African Parks, WWF, BirdLife International, IUCN, and TNC; (3) The Wilderness, a rewilding initiative aggregating approximately 2,470 hectares across four Danish sites; (4) Sustainable Coating Technologies, anchored by the CoaST research center at DTU established in 2017; and (5) Social Initiatives in Denmark and Greenland for vulnerable children. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, instead identifying partners through proactive sector analysis.

In 2025, the Foundation approved 153 grants totaling EUR 28 million. In 2024, the Foundation invited CVC Funds to become a minority investor in Hempel A/S (up to 30% over time), and in 2026 the Foundation announced Alina Lipcan as incoming CEO. The Foundation's revenue model is dividend-driven plus investment portfolio returns, with no products or services sold externally.

Name

Hempel Foundation

Legal name

Hempel Foundation

Website

https://hempelfoundation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Hempel Foundation is a Danish philanthropic foundation established in 1948 that serves as the majority owner of Hempel A/S (a global coatings company) and funds education, biodiversity, and rewilding programs across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Denmark.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Philanthropic Foundation

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

International Development & Donor-Funded Education Programs (EDADALAB), Environmental Education, Capacity Building & Community Engagement (BPADALAO)

Keywords

• Philanthropic foundation
• Grant-making programs
• Biodiversity conservation
• Foundational education
• Active ownership

Headquarters

HQ city

Copenhagen

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Dividends from Hempel Group Ownership: The Hempel Foundation is the majority owner of Hempel A/S. As the ultimate owner, the foundation receives dividends from the global coating company. In 2024, CVC Funds became a minority investor, with CVC subscribing to new shares equating to a stake of up to 30% over time.
2. Investment Portfolio Returns: The foundation manages a diversified investment portfolio including liquid assets (listed shares, bonds, credit) and illiquid assets (real estate, land assets, private equity, impact investments). Most liquid financial assets are managed externally by professional asset managers under the mandate of the Investment Committee.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Hempel Foundation is a Danish corporate philanthropic foundation that owns the majority of the Hempel Group (a global coatings company) and uses dividend and investment portfolio returns to fund grant-making and direct programs in four areas: foundational education for children in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, international biodiversity conservation in tropical hotspots, social initiatives for vulnerable children in Denmark and Greenland, and sustainable coatings research through the CoaST centre.

Product overview

The Hempel Foundation is a Danish philanthropic foundation that serves as the majority owner of the Hempel Group (a global coatings company). The Foundation operates several interconnected programmatic areas: (1) Active ownership of Hempel A/S for long-term value creation, (2) The Wilderness initiative for biodiversity rewilding in Denmark across four sites totaling ~2,500 hectares, (3) CoaST research center for sustainable coatings technology at DTU, (4) International biodiversity conservation in four global hotspots, and (5) foundational learning education programs in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The Foundation does not offer a traditional software product but rather operates grant-making programs, research initiatives, and nature restoration projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• Supported more than 600,000 children with access to quality education in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

55 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DTU (Technical University of Denmark)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Collaboration established in 2017 leading to the opening of CoaST - The Hempel Foundation Coatings Science and Technology Centre. The center aims to become a leading research facility in coatings science and technology.
• University of ManchesterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe foundation has supported scientific research at the University of Manchester as part of coatings technology research.
• École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Lille (ENSCL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe foundation has supported scientific research at ENSCL as part of coatings technology research collaboration.
• Aarhus UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreement with Aarhus University for research activities on The Wilderness initiative, including Professor Jens-Christian Svenning's work on rewilding and biodiversity.
• University of CopenhagencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreement with University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science for field-based teaching and research in The Wilderness areas.
• Grazelands Rewilding (Netherlands)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaksfjed Wilderness participates in the Tauros breeding programme managed by Grazelands Rewilding in the Netherlands. This is the first time wild Tauros have been released in a Nordic country.
• African ParkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiodiversity partner managing national parks across Africa through public-private partnership model, combining conservation with sustainable development.
• BirdLife InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiodiversity partner protecting birds and biodiversity through global partnership of 100+ organizations, combining science, policy advocacy, and community action.
• The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvests in early-career conservationists worldwide through training, funding, and mentorship to strengthen conservation leadership.
• Copenhagen UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvances biodiversity research and ecosystem conservation worldwide through interdisciplinary studies and policy engagement.
• Copenhagen ZOOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlays key role in global conservation through research, breeding programs, and habitat restoration, supporting endangered species and environmental education.
• Guyra ParaguaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConserves Paraguay's biodiversity through land protection, habitat restoration, and community engagement, including sustainable Yerba Mate production.
• IUCNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal authority on nature conservation uniting governments, NGOs, scientists, and communities to safeguard biodiversity through research, policy, and programs.
• KI - Konservasi IndonesiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSafeguards Indonesia's rich biodiversity through conservation, sustainable development, and community-led initiatives strengthening marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
• LEAF - Leuser Ecosystem Action FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProtects Indonesia's Leuser Ecosystem, one of the world's last intact rainforests, through conservation funding and sustainable livelihoods.
• MaliasilicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrengthens local conservation organizations across Africa by providing strategic support, leadership development, and capacity-building.
• SOS Mata AtlânticacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks to restore and protect Brazil's Atlantic Forest through reforestation, policy advocacy, and community engagement.
• Synchronicity EarthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports global biodiversity conservation by funding and strengthening grassroots organizations in overlooked and underfunded ecosystems.
• TNC - The Nature ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProtects land and water ecosystems globally through science-based conservation, partnering with governments, businesses, and communities.
• UN LivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDrives global action on environmental challenges through culture and storytelling, engaging diverse audiences through film, music, and gaming.
• WCS - Wildlife Conservation SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConserves world's most ecologically important landscapes through science-driven initiatives, protecting biodiversity across 60+ countries.
• Whitley Fund for NaturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports grassroots conservation leaders in the Global South through funding, training, and international recognition.
• WWFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the world's leading conservation organizations working across 100+ countries to protect biodiversity, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development.
• ADEAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPan-African education partnership hosted by African Development Bank Group, bringing together ministries, development partners, and civil society to advance education reform. Partnership 2025-2027: 4.6M DKK.
• FHI 360coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal nonprofit advancing health, education, and economic opportunity through research, innovation, and partnership in 50+ countries. Partnership 2025-2027: 10M DKK.
• Global Schools ForumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative community and partnership builder improving education at scale for underserved children in low- and middle-income countries. Partnership 2024-2027: 4.6M DKK.
• Human Capital AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccountability and advocacy organization using evidence to mobilize governments to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Partnership 2025-2027: 4M DKK.
• PAL NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal coalition of organizations improving learning through citizen-led assessments and community-driven education reforms. Partnership 2025-2026: 4M DKK.
• What Works Hub for Global EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership working on implementing education reforms at scale to increase literacy, numeracy and key skills. Partnership 2025-2027: 3M DKK.
• UNICEFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFLAT Partnerships 2024-2028: 12.3M DKK and Regional Partnerships 2024-2028: 30M DKK. Works to ensure children access quality education, especially in early years.
• Education Outcomes Fund (EOF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with governments and donors to improve education quality through innovative financing and results-based funding. Partnership 2022-2026: 8.3M DKK.
• PEAScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromoting Equality in African Schools - operates network of affordable, high-quality secondary schools in underserved communities. Partnership 2024-2028: 8M DKK.
• Gates FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal philanthropic organization dedicated to reducing poverty and improving health and education worldwide. Partnership 2025-2028: 15M DKK.
• TwawezacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCivic organization using data and public engagement to drive education reform in East Africa. Partnership 2022-2027: 13.6M DKK.
• VVOBcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation for Development - partners with governments and education institutions to improve teacher training and school leadership. Partnership 2024-2028: 24M DKK.
• Save the ChildrencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks globally to ensure children receive quality education, including in crisis and conflict settings through early childhood programs. Partnership 2023-2026: 13M DKK.
• Street ChildcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks in challenging environments to ensure children have access to education, addressing poverty, conflict, and gender inequality barriers. Partnership 2023-2027: 14M DKK.
• Teach for BangladeshcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeadership development program recruiting and training graduates to teach in underserved schools, building systemic change movement. Partnership 2024-2028: 5M DKK.
• VSOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVoluntary Service Overseas - harnesses volunteers to improve education systems in low-income countries through teachers and policymakers. Partnership 2025-2028: 10M DKK.
• Aasaman NepalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational NGO founded in 1999 with strong roots in marginalized communities, promoting child rights and strengthening education systems.
• EducAid Sierra LeonecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports education system strengthening through Top Ten Strategies for Teaching & Learning, supporting over 850 schools across six districts.
• Education Network MadagascarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMobilizes local leaders to support educational supervisors, enables teacher self-training through digital modules, and promotes localized educational tools.
• IEE RwandacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks across Rwanda to strengthen education systems through competency-based teaching and learning partnerships with communities.
• MoNEPTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Movement for Education for All - platform advocating and taking action for quality and inclusive education in Madagascar.
• STEP (Southern Tanzania Elephant Program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDedicated to safeguarding Tanzania's biodiversity and critical ecosystems in Ruaha, Udzungwa and Selous, collaborating with government and NGOs.
• FAPBM (Fondation pour les Aires Protégées et la Biodiversité de Madagascar)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSecures long-term financing for biodiversity conservation in Madagascar, supporting protected areas and sustainable livelihoods.
• Building TomorrowcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with communities in Uganda to improve access to quality education through school construction, teacher training, and learning programs. Partnership 2024-2027: 10M DKK.
• Rewilding EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPan-European rewilding organization co-hosting the first European Rewilding Festival in Denmark in 2026.
• Citizen ZoocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK NGO partnering with Hempel Foundation to host the 3rd International Rewilding Conference in Denmark in 2027.
• Imagine5minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal media organization partnering for international communication to highlight results of rewilding initiatives in Europe and Denmark.
• Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in biodiversity hotspots update collaboration, contributing botanical expertise to the global scientific effort.
• Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in biodiversity hotspots update collaboration, providing conservation funding and implementation expertise.
• Newcastle UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in biodiversity hotspots update, contributing research expertise to the scientific framework.
• Re:wildcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization partner in biodiversity hotspots update, focusing on species protection and habitat restoration.
• Zoological Society of London (ZSL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in biodiversity hotspots update, contributing zoological expertise and conservation science to the framework.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• MAVA Foundation: Swiss philanthropic foundation long focused on biodiversity conservation (now closing). Closely comparable mandate to Hempel's biodiversity vertical — particularly on Mediterranean and African landscape conservation with NGO partners like IUCN.
• A.P. Møller Foundation: Danish enterprise foundation with controlling ownership of A.P. Møller-Mærsk. Same structural model as Hempel Foundation: industrial-company ownership generating philanthropic capital, with broad programming across education, environment, and social initiatives.
• Lundbeck Foundation: Danish enterprise foundation controlling Lundbeck and other industrial assets, with substantial grantmaking in biomedical research and education. Comparable governance and ownership model.
• LEGO Foundation: Danish corporate foundation controlled by the Kirkbi family/LEGO Group. Direct peer in education philanthropy with global program footprint, especially in early childhood foundational learning — directly overlapping with Hempel's education vertical.
• Novo Nordisk Foundation: One of the world's largest enterprise foundations, controlling Novo Nordisk and Novozymes. Comparable as a Danish corporate foundation that owns and operates a major industrial group while funding large-scale philanthropic programs in health, sustainability, and education.
• Gates Foundation: World's largest private foundation and a direct co-funder with Hempel Foundation on foundational learning (DKK 15M partnership 2025-2028). Overlaps substantively on global education and global health-equivalent programming in low-income countries.
• Wellcome Trust: UK-based global foundation with a similarly diversified investment portfolio funding large-scale programmatic work. Comparable governance model, scale, and emphasis on long-horizon science and global health/development funding.
• Carlsberg Foundation: Major Danish corporate foundation tied to Carlsberg Group. Comparable in being a Danish enterprise foundation funding research, education, and culture, with active ownership governance of an industrial group.
• Villum Foundation / Velux Foundation: Danish corporate foundation tied to VKR Holding (parent of VELUX). Closely comparable model: corporate-foundation ownership of an industrial group, long-term horizon, multi-pillar philanthropic focus including environment and education, with overlapping board talent (Leif Jensen, former VKR/VELUX CEO, is now Deputy Chair of Hempel Foundation).

Broad incumbents

• Rockefeller Foundation: Large US foundation with multi-pillar programming (climate, health, equity, food). Comparable in scale and in operating significant conservation and education programs globally, though much larger and older.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hempel-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/hempelfoundation/?hl=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries3 records

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 Hempel Foundation