Latest News

Culture Night 2025 in Copenhagen October 10th

10 October 2025

Communities and Quality of Life – with Open House, ‘Conversation Soup’ and a Heartfelt Concert. At Realdania, a Danish philanthropic association, communities and quality of life are at the heart of what we do – and on Culture Night, we invite you to experience it up close.

Culture Night 2025 in Copenhagen October 10th

“All investments have an impact”

8 September 2025

Henrik Mahncke from Danish foundation Realdania gives a first-hand account of a learning journey in impact investing.

“All investments have an impact”

Realdania transfers shareholding in Foundation House in Brussels to Philea

31 March 2025

Realdania By & Byg's shareholding in the company European Foundation House (Philanthropy House) in Brussels will be transferred to Philea – the European membership organization for philanthropic actors, which has been housed in the building since 2013.

Realdania transfers shareholding in Foundation House in Brussels to Philea

Our happiness - what we can learn from some of the happiest people in the world

20 March 2025

Social connections are THE single-most important factor for our happiness. Even the neighbourly nod or a quick chat with the grocery clerk has an impact. A newly published Danish happiness study – one of the most comprehensive of its kind – provides answers to the universal question: What makes us happy?

Our happiness - what we can learn from some of the happiest people in the world

A significant piece in the story of 19th-century Denmark

24 January 2025
A significant piece in the story of 19th-century Denmark

Nina Kovsted Helk is Realdania’s new CEO

21 January 2025

Realdania's board has appointed the current philanthropy director (CPO), Nina Kovsted Helk, as the new CEO of the philanthropic association. She will succeed Jesper Nygård in the position on April 1st, 2025. At the same time, the management team will be adjusted from three to two people.

Nina Kovsted Helk is Realdania’s new CEO
Interview with CEO Jesper Nygård

The physical environment can make a massive difference in people's lives

12 January 2025

In 2025, Realdania will be 25 years old. On this occasion, we have asked Realdania's CEO, Jesper Nygård, to look back on 25 years in the service of quality of life and the built environment, on the difference the association wants to make in Danish society, on the development of the philanthropic sector, on member democracy, which has had a very special meaning for him, and on the activities in the anniversary year, where the focus is on communities and quality of life.

The physical environment can make a massive difference in people's lives

Major Danish project reveals how to renovate in a climate-friendly way

28 October 2024

It is widely recognised that it is almost always better for the climate to renovate rather than demolish and start over with new construction. But how do we renovate in the most climate-friendly way? A large, interdisciplinary project now provides answers.

Major Danish project reveals how to renovate in a climate-friendly way

Realdania is getting a new CEO

3 October 2024

Realdania is set to change its CEO, with Jesper Nygård stepping down during 2025 after 12 years in the role.

Realdania is getting a new CEO

Realdania supports global climate network for cities until 2029

18 June 2024

With a new grant to the international climate network C40, Realdania is supporting the efforts to aid the world's cities and Danish municipalities in combating climate change until 2029.

Realdania supports global climate network for cities until 2029

World’s leading climate network for mega cities opens base in Copenhagen

6 February 2017

C40 Cities – the world’s leading climate network for megacities – opens a permanent base in Copenhagen today. From here, C40 Cities will work towards a closer collaboration between cities and the private sector aimed at breaking down one of the biggest barriers to global green energy conversion.

World’s leading climate network for mega cities opens base in Copenhagen

Research shows that climate action can have a positive impact on the economic and social wellbeing of cities

18 December 2015

New research shows how cities assess the socio-economic co-benefits of sustainable city projects.

Research shows that climate action can have a positive impact on the economic and social wellbeing of cities

10 Global Cities Win Prestigious C40 Cities Awards

4 May 2015

During COP21, cities recognized for climate leadership at 3rd Annual C40 Cities Awards in Paris

10 Global Cities Win Prestigious C40 Cities Awards