January 11, 2021
SEATTLE – Scan Design Foundation, whose mission is to advance Danish-American relations, announced its most recent cycle of Grant awards totaling $2,400,000 to a dozen grantees. This investment will provide critical support for US-based non-profit organizations and academic programs to continue the exchange between both Denmark and the US. Through a broad array of a dozen programs, these grants provide continued support for long-standing cultural exchange programs and much needed capital to spearhead new innovations to thwart the effects of the current pandemic as well as to support research in climate change and pain management.
Foundation President, Fidelma McGinn said the Foundation is inspired by the work of the grantees, in the midst of what has been a very challenging time. “2020 will go down in the annals as perhaps one of the most tumultuous years of our generation. The tenacity of our community partners to pivot and adapt in light of the consequences of a global pandemic, civil unrest, accelerating climate change and financial uncertainty, is a testimony to their agility and perseverance.”
This cycle of grants includes targeted support for COVID-19 relief funds, as well as on-going support to a roster of established programs with long-standing partners in the Pacific Northwest and further a-field.
Mary DeLorme, Director of Grants and Partnerships noted “2020 was a difficult and challenging year for all our partners as all travel plans were cancelled, and stay-at-home orders forced all businesses and education to quickly shift to and develop virtual programs and explore new avenues to reach our communities.
She added; “We were impressed to see how our partners pivoted quickly to develop on-line content and tested new approaches to provide alternative experiences and learning opportunities for students, public employees, and the general public”.
“We are honored to begin another new year — still bringing music to our community — with Scan Design Foundation by our side. Our orchestra is still here, because of you. We are excited to begin sharing new performances with you again. We'll continue streaming concerts online on Seattle Symphony Live for now, and welcome audiences back to Benaroya Hall as soon as it's safe to do so.”
--Krishna Thiagarajan, Seattle Symphony President & CEO
As Dean of the UW College of Built Environments, I have the unique position to witness the college-wide impact of partnership with the Scan Design Foundation. Spanning more than 13 years, our long-standing work with the Scan Design Foundation has enabled a space for ingenuity, immersive educational opportunities, and the cultural exchange of novel ideas and scholarly work. Whether understanding how the built environment and design influence our perception of the world around us or developing custom Danish-inspired furniture pieces, this partnership has created transformational experiences for our students and faculty. On behalf of the College, I want to extend my gratitude to the Scan Design Foundation for their years of collaboration and investment in our programs. We look forward to continuing this great work in the years ahead.
--Renée Cheng, Dean, College of Built Environments, University of Washington
Grantees and Grants:
University of Washington Foundation - $1,357,713
College of Built Environments - $1,129,463
College of the Environment - $ 73,250
School of Medicine - $155,000
Meany Theatre - $5,000
University of Oregon Foundation – $180,190
College of Design
University of Wisconsin Foundation - $276,500
International Division
College of Arts and Sciences
National Nordic Museum – $302,237
COVID-19 Support – $100,000
COurban Design Cooperative – $60,000
Seattle Symphony - $50,000
National Film Festival for Talented Youth - $33,787
Nordic Northwest - $25,000
American Friends of SMK - $10,000
Northwest Danish Association – $10,000
West Denmark Heritage Council -- $3,000
About Scan Design Foundation
Scan Design Foundation was established in 2002 following the deaths of Jens Bruun and his wife Inger. The Bruuns emigrated from Denmark and moved to the Northwest in the early 1960’s. They founded Scan|Design Furniture, which featured Contemporary Scandinavian style furniture at stores in the Northwest and Hawaii. The flagship store is located in Lynnwood, Washington.
Scan Design Foundation acknowledges that we gather on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.
The Foundation’s mission is to advance the relationship between Denmark and the United States. With this round of funding, more than $22.5M in grants have been distributed to over 50 partner organizations in the U.S. and Denmark (see list of examples following this release).
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The Scan Design Foundation by Inger & Jens Bruun was established by the Bruuns to promote and strengthen the relationship between their native Denmark and their adopted home, the United States.
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