Velux Stiftung invites proposals for its program focused on the intersection of climate change, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and forest products. This initiative aims to foster transformative thinking in forest management by linking scientific insight with practical implementation.

Program Objectives

The initiative is designed to:

• Shift current thinking around forest use and management toward a more sustainable and solution-driven approach.
• Foster collaboration between scientists and practitioners for real-world impact.
• Promote the use of evidence-based science in forest management practices.
• Support innovative financial and policy tools that encourage sustainable forestry—benefiting biodiversity, climate mitigation, and responsible production.
• Uphold the foundation’s commitment to preserving the health and stability of ecosystems globally.

Thematic Focus Areas

Projects should align with one or more of the following themes:

• Forward-thinking, holistic forest management strategies addressing climate adaptation/mitigation, biodiversity enhancement, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable production of forest goods.
• Development of tools, incentives, or behavioral change mechanisms that connect forest services and products to tangible, everyday decision-making.

Eligible Project Types

1. Research Projects

• Should present original and transformative ideas capable of reshaping forest management.
• Must involve stakeholders and preferably use interdisciplinary methods.
• Projects of purely local interest or lacking broader relevance are less likely to be prioritized.
• A minimum of 10% of the project budget must be allocated to activities focused on knowledge transfer.

2. Practice-Science Collaborations

• Designed to strengthen the connection between scientific research and forestry practice.
• Must foster ongoing dialogue, co-creation, and the development of tools or resources that are usable by stakeholders.
• Applications should show commitment from both academic and practical partners and emphasize the sustainability of the approach.

What Won’t Be Funded

• Projects that are primarily implementation-focused without a research component
• Community development work that lacks scientific analysis
• Small-scale case studies with limited general applicability
• Urban forestry-related initiatives

Roles & Team Structure

• PI: Oversees the project and handles the grant; funds are paid to the PI’s institution only.
• Co-PIs (up to three): Provide essential input and share in project leadership; their institutions may also receive funding.
• Collaborators: Provide advice, content, or help with outreach and dissemination; there’s no limit to the number of collaborators.

Important Notes

• All submissions must meet the program criteria to be considered.
• Proposals that do not comply with submission rules or eligibility requirements may be rejected without explanation.