Financial history
The historical roots from the savings bank Sparekassen SDS guide Nordea-fonden’s policy that grants must go to recipients all over Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands in order to reflect the original source of the capital.
It all started in 1820
The savings bank Sparekassen for Kjøbenhavn og Omegn is established in 1820. This formed the basis for the assets managed by Nordea-fonden.
Since the beginning, millions of Danes have deposited their savings with local savings banks across Denmark.
The foundation is established
In 1989, Sparekassen SDS is part of a large bank merger. Consequently, its name is changed to Unibank and later Nordea.
Since the beginning, our aim has been to plough the money back to where it comes from – to the Danish population. This takes the form of support for activities that promote the good life.
The transformation into a public limited company in 1989 means that a significant part of Sparekassen SDS’s assets, created by Danes throughout Denmark, are hived off to form the financial basis for a commercial foundation with a non-profit purpose.
Over the years, the foundation has changed its name several times, until in 2008 the foundation settles on its current name: Nordea-fonden
Relation to Nordea Bank Abp
Nordea Bank and Nordea-fonden share a common history, and Nordea-fonden owns approx. 4% of the bank. Today, however, they are two independent and separate organisations.
In addition to its investment in Nordea Bank, Nordea-fonden owns assets in other sectors which ensure a sound return for the benefit of future grant applicants.