The initiative also contributed to securing as much focus as possible on sustainability in connection with the substantial societal investments expected as a consequence of COVID-19. The objective was to provide relevant inspiration, tools and specific assistance to municipalities and others commencing construction and renovation projects, so that they could promote sustainability, climate efforts and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals within what were probably rather tight investment budgets.
There was also an initiative to help projects that had previously received philanthropic grants from Realdania and were now experiencing serious financial consequences from the Covid-19 crisis. With a funding pool established on the back of the government aid packages, Realdania was able to help a number of projects facing challenges ranging from cancellations and delays to difficulties with financing. Some projects were already feeling the effects, while others were expected to follow later. The support targeted ongoing projects, and those for which Realdania and the project still had a mutual commitment.
Three-track COVID-19 initiative
Realdania's COVID-19 initiative had three tracks:
Forge ahead
This part of the initiative involved support for projects in progress that had been hit by cancellations, delays and extra costs. There could also be completed projects in which Realdania and the project still had commitments. It was possible to apply for support in two rounds, with the first round taking place in May 2020. Only projects that had previously received support from Realdania could apply. There was also a requirement that applicants had used the government aid packages where possible and, despite this, could still document financial challenges stemming from the corona crisis.
The first call for applications had just been completed. It became possible to apply for the pool again after the summer holiday, and more detailed information followed on the page. Among other things, it was possible to apply for support to finance additional costs or, in exceptional cases, to help cover operating losses.
DKK 50 million was earmarked for this initiative.
Ask them in
This part of the initiative focused on events and activities at cultural and experience institutions once these could again be held. There was a requirement that the institution had previously received funding from Realdania. The first call for applications had just been completed. It became possible to apply for the pool again in August 2020, and more detailed information followed on the page.
DKK 10 million was earmarked for this initiative.
United on sustainability
This track provided support for sustainability in building and construction in connection with future investments in new building and renovation in the wake of the corona crisis. Support included assistance with advice and quality improvements, encouragement to implement the voluntary sustainability class, and a cross-cutting knowledge pathway for the construction sector to help ensure that stakeholders could make valid decisions through rapid processes. There was also a climate pool for projects in which Realdania was already involved.
DKK 115 million was earmarked for this initiative, which was launched in close dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
Read the press release:
DKK 175 mill. from Realdania for initiatives in the wake of Covid-19