We receive approximately 2,000 applications each year. The applications come from near and far and all of them receive a response.
VILLUM FONDEN and VELUX FONDEN workflows and evaluation processes are designed to ensure a thorough assessment of all the applications and inquiries we receive. Depending on the specific programme you are applying for, the processing varies in terms of both time and procedure.
For some programmes, applications are reviewed by appointed panels/committees before the board makes the final decision, while other applications go through a process involving two working group assessments and two board assessments, as well as the involvement of external experts.
The entire processing typically takes 4-9 months, depending on the grant area being sought.
All applications must be submitted through the foundation's website, but you are always welcome to contact us.
If you would like to learn more about the application and processing procedure for your project, please feel free to reach out to us. You can also find more information under the grant area that your project falls under.
If you want to find out whether your project is within the charter and grant areas of the foundations, you can contact an advisor and ask about the opportunity to submit a 1-2 page expression of interest. In this expression of interest, you briefly outline your project idea describing the purpose, impact and potential. This way you will get preliminary feedback from the foundations whether it would be appropriate to send a full application.
In some funding areas, an expression of interest is the first step of the process towards funding (e.g. within areas with focus on human science).
For these areas, the foundations will, either by notice or by invitation from their collaborators, invite applicants to submit an expression of interest. The foundations will thereafter invite selected applicants to send fully prepared applications.
Application
We receive both expressions of interest and applications all year.
Rejection
We aim to provide prompt replies if the board evaluation results in a rejection. All applicants receive an answer to their grant applications, sent by e-mail. We do not provide arguments as to why an application has been rejected.
Grant
If you receive a grant from one of the foundations, you will also receive a grant letter. In the letter there are a number of requirements and guidelines, such as a time and payment plan and information about accounting, evaluation, transparency and disclosure procedures, which you should be aware of in connection with your grant.