Strategy

Being an independent foundation, we are in a unique position to try out new methods and initiate experimental work that is not necessarily required to succeed at the first attempt but will, nonetheless, provide opportunities for exploring alternative approaches and solutions. Hence, the Bikuben Foundation is focused on developing and trying out innovative ideas, structures and methods for the purposes of creating the best obtainable social value and artistic significance. In our capacity as a foundation, we are moreover in a position to introduce long-term ideas and contribute to ensure the financing of initiatives and concepts of considerable potential – although their actual impact may first be established after the passage of several years. Therefore, we typically opt for supporting few initiatives, albeit initiatives with relative long time-horizons.

Initiative, knowledge and collaboration

But the Bikuben Foundation is not only about economy. We also apply other philanthropic tools. For the purposes of obtaining knowledge and being inspired, we prioritise participation in Danish as well as international networks; and, similarly, we will initiate research-based work in order to provide wider perspectives and an enhanced knowledge base with respect to those areas in which we take an interest. To a great extent, we will ourselves take responsibility for the initiation, development and drive of initiatives, and we believe that new opportunities, development and permanent change often arise as results of collaboration. Therefore, preferring to involve more parties in shared initiatives, we for instance enter into collaborative relationships with the state and municipalities, private players and other foundations – or, within the social area, the civil society – for the purpose of making the greatest possible difference.

The Bikuben Foundation's code of practice

It is our philosophy that, within the social as the cultural areas, there is a need for change and ground-breaking work that will not always be feasible through isolated projects. Hence, our approach to philanthropy is proactive. Our code of practice will frequently be similar across the two areas. First, we identify new and relevant focus areas or problems in active collaboration with the professional field. Next, we collect and produce new knowledge to constitute the basis of forward-looking decisions. Finally, we will enter into relationships with the external environment – collaborating on the design of new solutions and initiatives.