11.2 million euros allocated to charitable projects in 2024

Press Release - In 2024, the Fondation de Luxembourg reached an impressive milestone by distributing almost 100 million euros cumulatively in charitable donations, marking a pivotal moment in its philanthropic efforts. This achievement reflects increased support, especiallyin Europe, and a strong focus on key areas such as education, with a remarkable 88% rise in donations for educational projects and the launch of the Fondation pour le Climat.

2024 highlights:

• Record-breaking 11.2 million euros allocated to charitable projects in 2024
• Nearly 100 million euros distributed to charitable projects since inception
• Launch of Fondation pour le Climat initiative to bolster climate action
• 7 new sheltered foundations created, bringing the total to 119 by year-end (120 in January 2025)
• Projects supported in 55 countries across five continents
• 74% of support directed to projects in Europe, 43% of which were in Luxembourg

In 2024, the Fondation de Luxembourg distributed an unprecedented 11.2 million euros to charitable projects, reflecting a remarkable surge in generosity from its donors. Thanks to their significant contributions, the total accumulated project supportchanneled since the Fondation’s inception reached almost 100 million euros by year-end. These accomplishments underscore the Fondation’s ongoing commitment to facilitate philanthropic giving to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

After kicking off 2024 with the celebration of its fifteenth anniversary, the Fondation de Luxembourg continued its strong momentum by welcoming seven new foundations under its aegis, bringing the total to 119 by year-end (120 as of January 2025). These foundations, which include both individual and corporate foundations combined, contributed to over 340 projects across the Fondation’s five key areas of action: Education, Health, Poverty, Climate Change, and Culture. 

Fondation de Luxembourg President Henri Grethen acknowledged donors’ generosity and long-term engagement: “The remarkable growth witnessed throughout the Fondation de Luxembourg’s journey, especially in 2024, stands in stark contrast to global projections of declining support for humanitarian causes. In an era of escalating global challenges and growing need, this momentum is not only encouraging – it is vital. We are deeply grateful to our founders for their unwavering commitment, which drives meaningful change through charitable initiatives worldwide.”

The most significant increase in contributions in 2024 was directed towards educational projects, which saw an 88% rise, reaching 3.5 million euros in donations. These initiatives span a broad spectrum - from a local science and technology learning programme aimed at Luxembourg youth to a multi-year effort delivering vital learning opportunities to Afghan refugee children in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, support for Climate Change and Biodiversity initiatives also grew steadily in 2024, rising from 3.3% to 5% of outgoing project support. To further amplify its commitment to this critical cause, the Fondation de Luxembourg launched the Fondation pour le Climat in April 2024. This new initiative, operating under its aegis, acts as a bridge between corporate donors and local research institutions and nonprofits driving impactful climate action. 

While the Fondation de Luxembourg maintains a strong presence locally, the Fondation also facilitates global giving with projects supported in 55 countries across five continents. A notable 74% of all support remained in Europe (including Ukraine) with 43% directed to local Luxembourg projects. Internationally, 12% went to projects in Asia and the Middle East, 10 % to Africa, and the remaining 4% to the Americas and Oceania.

Tonika Hirdman, Director General, emphasized the interconnected nature of modern philanthropy: "In today’s globalized world, modern philanthropy transcends borders, mobilizing resources and compassion to tackle the most pressing global challenges. From our strategic position in the Grand Duchy, the Fondation de Luxembourg is proud to serve as a trusted and effective partner, enabling our international network of philanthropists to make meaningful, cross-border contributions to causes that matter.” Indeed, the Fondation de Luxembourg counts Luxembourg residents as 60% of its donors, 20% from the Greater Region, and the rest from countries such as Portugal, Switzerland, UK, Italy, South Africa, Finland and Denmark.

The Annual Report 2024 is available here.