Founded in 1982, the IKEA Foundation initially focused only on architecture and interior design. Over the years, IKEA became active in addressing the root causes of child labour as well as endeavours with major partners to promote children’s rights and education.
In 2009, the IKEA Foundation was able to expand its charter to include a broader mission of improving children’s opportunities, so they can ultimately take control of their own futures.
We are committed to tackling some of the root causes of inequality: poverty, the consequences of climate change, and lack of resources such as clean air, energy and fertile land. Families need both financial stability and a healthy environment if they and their children are to thrive. Improving livelihoods and protecting the planet are inseparable.
Through our grantmaking, we work with our partners to help people and communities with the fewest resources build livelihoods and support their families. Our learning has been that to create a lasting impact, we need to actively seek ways to engage in dialogue and collaboration with local organisations and communities.
Beyond our grantmaking, it’s also important that different perspectives and pathways are represented and understood. We are committed to amplifying the voices of partners and local communities to ensure a fair, inclusive and balanced debate around each of the areas where we operate: rural livelihoods, refugee livelihoods, employment and entrepreneurship, access to renewable energy, and climate action.
Today the IKEA Foundation works with strong strategic partners applying innovative approaches to achieve large-scale results. We are committed to helping families living in poverty afford a better everyday life while protecting the planet. We believe that when people join together and unleash their creative power, they can create a brighter future. That’s why we support programmes that promote new and unprecedented collaboration between businesses, civil society, governments and the many people.
If we are to be successful, ending inequality should be central to everything we do.
