Ole Kirk’s Fond: Two foundations, one shared ambition: improving childhoods

We are proud to provide Ole Kirk’s Fond with the majority of its funding as we each play our part in the Kirk Kristiansen family’s determination to give back to society.   Together, the two foundations, both rooted in the LEGO legacy, contribute in different ways to a shared ambition: to give provide better childhoods.

Looking out for the most exposed and marginalised families and children   

Ole Kirk’s Fond is a non-profit foundation with a general charitable charter. In addition to social efforts, the foundation supports cultural and educational activities, as well as selected humanitarian causes and local projects in and around Billund, the birthplace of the LEGO® brick. The foundation’s largest area of support is social initiatives in Denmark, with a particular focus on children and families in vulnerable circumstances. It supports both immediate initiatives, such as summer holiday camps, back-to-school support and Christmas aid, and preventive and long-term initiatives focusing on:

• Children living in families with domestic violence, mental illness, or addictions

• Children and young people not thriving 

• Babies and toddlers in vulnerable families 

Supporting here and now – and beyond 

While being an application-based foundation that receives unsolicited applications for the most part, Ole Kirk’s Fond also supports broader, preventive efforts that strengthen children’s well-being more generally.   Through our funding to Ole Kirk's Fond, we also help enable more systemic, long-term work. Childhood Without Violence and Mary Elizabeth's Hospital, set to open in 2027, are standout examples of such.  

Childhood Without Violence 

Every child deserves a safe childhood. Through our support to Ole Kirk's Fond, the Childhood Without Violence initiative brings together experts and organisations across sectors to help prevent children against violence, strengthen support for children and families, and break cycles of violence across generations. Together, the partners are developing new approaches that can create safer, healthier childhoods. 

Mary Elizabeth's Hospital 

With financial support from us, Ole Kirk's Fond is helping create Mary Elizabeth's Hospital in partnership with the Capital Region of Denmark and Rigshospitalet. The hospital is designed around the needs of children and families, with play integrated into its spaces, daily life and care. By recognising play as an essential part of childhood, even during illness, the hospital aims to support children's learning, wellbeing and recovery. 

Playing our part 

Ole Kirk’s Fond was founded more than 60 years ago to honor the dedication and commitment to children’s wellbeing and development that characterized  LEGO-founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen. His pioneering spirit, innovation, initiative, and care for others set the bar for our joint efforts today across foundations.