Every day
is a great day
to make a difference

We are incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to support people and projects who dedicate every day to this mission. Supporting children and youth is the core of our purpose. In 2023, we sharpened our efforts to make an even bigger difference.

We support education and vocational training to eliminate both physical and social barriers that hinder girls access to school in Brazil, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda.  Since 2012, we have worked with CARE to make a real difference for women and girls in Rwanda through literacy and numeracy training for more than 100 000 adults. The last three years we have added an entrepreneurship and a mentorship component for 2000 women. The impact of this programme goes beyond improvement in their business.

In Norway, we have increased our support to projects and arenas that promote inclusion, involvement and community, and combat youth exclusion.

Women´s health is another pillar in our strategy because this is an area where we believe our support can make a difference. We have expanded our cooperation with Maternity Foundation to ensure the presence of skilled birth-attendants to provide safer births everywhere. The research project KLAR, at the University of Bergen, is the first research project on women´s health, menopause and working life in Norway. KLAR will improve health, health care, and sustainable work participation among women with menopausal ailments.

We believe in the power and inspiration of excellence. Our support of Edward Gardner as chief conductor for the Edvard Grieg Choir, reached an international peak on a beautiful day in August when the choir performed Lux Aeterna to standing ovation and excellent reviews at the Proms in Royal Albert Hall. In December, Gardner conducted Strauss´ magnificent Electra with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and choir in a performance for the memory book.

The board-visit to our long-term partner United World College, Costa Rica, strengthened our commitment and dedication to our core purpose. Education and belonging are main keys to ensure that all young people find their path and their place. The resilience, support, friendships, and bonds these young people from all over the world form and nurture among each other, inspired us all. “I enjoy the ease with which I can reach out to anyone anytime,” said Gianpaolo. Deepa, his classmate from Nepal who grew up in an SOS Village and has beaten all odds to come to Costa Rica as a Grieg Foundation scholar, put it this way: “The best thing about UWC is the people here. People make this place special.”

We are all people who need people. We need to belong, and we need to contribute. Thank you to all Grieg Group employees for making it possible for Grieg Foundation to fulfill its commitment to make a difference for people and communities. We can all make every day a great day to make a difference.

Elna-Kathrine Grieg                                                                Ingvild Hestad
Chair of the Board                                                                  Managing Director