An Impactful Partnership

Children & Youth

Apr 30

A historic and valuable partnership

The partnership between the Grieg Foundation and SOS Children’s Villages Norway was formally established in 2002, when the Grieg Foundation was founded. But the relationship dates back even further, to the 1980s, when Per Grieg Sr. first connected with SOS Children’s Villages. At the time, he was seeking a partner that could support young people gain access to education and opportunities, guided by the principle of “help to self-help.”

Since 2002, Grieg Foundation has supported SOS Children’s Villages with 126 MNOK, giving millions of children and young people opportunities in life.

“We care for children in a way that aligns deeply with what we feel a child is entitled to. That’s what turns them into creative individuals who can give back to society.”

Having taken over the family business in 1975 and built one of Norway’s largest maritime companies, Per was determined to give back in a meaningful way. He chose SOS Children’s Villages because it aligned with his vision of providing not just survival, but dignity and opportunity — an approach that fosters independence and long-term resilience. As he explained, “We care for children in a way that aligns deeply with what we feel a child is entitled to. That’s what turns them into creative individuals who can give back to society.”

When the Grieg Foundation was formally established in 2002, SOS Children’s Villages Norway became its primary funding partner. Over the years, the partnership has only grown stronger — evolving with the times, yet always rooted in a shared commitment to supporting vulnerable children and youth.

Key partnership facts

Millions of children and young people have been reached out to with support from Grieg Foundation

From 2022-2024 over 24,000 children and young people were reached out to directly, and over 240,000 indirectly

1,831 girls gained scholarships and learning tools.
471 young women trained for sustainable careers.
4,000+ students received hygiene support across three countries.
83,000 youth reached through health and rights campaigns.
69,000+ community members mobilized for girls’ education.
1,565 caregivers lifted their families toward better futures.

An adapting partnership

Today, Grieg Foundation continues to play a critical role in enabling SOS Children’s Villages Norway and its country partners to deliver long-term, holistic support to children and families. Recent years have seen an increased focus on gender equality projects in Eastern and Southern African countries, with predictable and sustained funding enabling real, lasting impact for girls and young women. At the same time, the Grieg Foundation remains agile, adapting quickly when global events, such as the war in Ukraine and Gaza, demanded urgent responses.

Girls Thrive Programme

From 2025 to 2027, the Grieg Foundation will continue its strong commitment to gender equality by supporting the “Girls Thrive” project in Malawi. Through this project, 2,300 girls and young women will gain access to formal education and vocational skills training to improve their life opportunities. While financial support for education is essential, the project goes beyond this to challenge harmful gender norms, prevent child marriage and gender-based violence, and encourage caregivers to invest in their daughters' education.

“In Malawi, where more than half the population lives in poverty, this partnership is more important than ever,”

“Together with SOS Children’s Villages Malawi, the new programme will focus on reaching the most vulnerable children, strengthening families and communities, and empowering girls through education and vocational training. Grieg Foundation is committed to the development and education of children and youth. We are proud to continue our long-standing collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages Norway, and to have been a key partner for over two decades.” says Ingvild Hestad, CEO of the Grieg Foundation.

Who: SOS Childrens’ Villages

What: An impactful partnership