The Foundation is a London based charity; its founder previously lived, and the majority of the trustees do live, in north London. The founder, Nicolai Tangen, was born and brought up in Kristiansand, Norway; other Trustees also have connections to Norway. The Foundation values these links and has supported a number of causes in north London and in Norway, including those set out below.
The Foundation supports a very wide range of UK charities through the annual ‘Give Back’ programme, through which members of staff of AKO Capital have the opportunity to nominate a charity to receive a grant from the Foundation. As well as nominating charities, the staff collectively determine the recipients of the larger grants. The trustees are delighted that certain charities introduced to the Foundation through this initiative have subsequently developed deeper, multi-year relationships with the Foundation – examples include Generating Genius, Lively Minds, and OnSide.
The Foundation also matches certain charitable donations made by members of staff of AKO Capital.
AKO Foundation support since 2017
The Foundation supports Doorstep in its mission to improve the quality of life for homeless families living in temporary accommodation in north London. Doorstep provides a safe, welcoming space where families – often living in overcrowded or insecure housing – can access essential services, including practical support, educational activities, advocacy, and emotional wellbeing programmes. By addressing both immediate needs and longer-term challenges, Doorstep helps families build stability, confidence, and a sense of community during times of significant hardship.
AKO Foundation support since 2014
The Foundation has been a major supporter of the Hampsted Theatre since 2014, playing an important role in enabling the theatre to champion new writing and artistic innovation. Through its funding, the Foundation helped establish ‘The Next Decade’ Fund for the commissioning of new plays from leading playwrights.
AKO Foundation support since 2022
Since 2022 the Foundation has supported Roundhouse, championing its role not only as a celebrated performance venue but also as a dynamic creative hub for young people in North London. Through this support, the Foundation helps unlock opportunities for youth to explore and cultivate their artistic and entrepreneurial skills in a supportive environment.
AKO Foundation support new in 2025
Den Norske Turistforening (DNT), founded in 1868, is Norway’s largest non-profit, membership-based outdoor organisation, dedicated to promoting safe and environmentally responsible access to nature. Through a network of over 50 local associations, DNT maintains thousands of kilometres of marked hiking and ski trails and operates hundreds of staffed and self-service mountain cabins across the country. The Foundation has made a grant towards the ongoing of maintenance of the approximately 600 cabins operated by DNT.
AKO Foundation support new in 2025
Fjæreheia Amfi is an open-air amphitheatre carved from a former granite quarry just outside Grimstad, Norway. Surrounded by a nearly 40m high granite cliff, it seats around 1,000 people and is celebrated for its outstanding natural acoustics and dramatic setting. In 2025 the Foundation made a grant to Fjæreheia to purchase sound and lighting equipment.
AKO Foundation support since 2021
Fontenehuset (meaning “The Fountain House”) operates as a network of Norwegian “Clubhouses” – community-based, non-residential centres offering psychosocial rehabilitation to people with mental health challenges. These centres provide a safe, working environment where members engage in meaningful tasks alongside staff and peers to build relationships, confidence, and life skills. Membership is free, voluntary and lifelong.
The Foundation supports key components of the Clubhouse rehabilitation network on Norway, specificially Fontenehuset Norge (the national umbrella body) and Fontenehuset Arendal.
AKO Foundation support since 2023
The Foundation has agreed to support performances over the three years 2023 – 2025 by the Norwegian Ibsen Company, led by the actor Kåre Conradi, at the open-air theatre Fjaereheia, in southern Norway.
AKO Foundation support since 2023
The full name of Redningsselskapet can be translated as ‘The Norwegian Society for the Rescue of Shipwrecked People’: its mission is to protect those who travel on or by the sea; to make sea travel and maritime recreational activities safe for all; and to save and protect valuables on and by the sea. The Foundation has agreed to fund the acquisition of an offshore rescue boat, to be deployed in southern Norway.
AKO Foundation support new in 2025
Skiforeningen, founded in 1883, is a non-profit, membership-based, Norwegian association dedicated to promoting Nordic skiing and outdoor recreation. It maintains thousands of kilometres of cross-country ski and hiking trails around Olso, organises events and competitions and runs facilities including lodges.
The Foundation is funding the construction of a new lodge for cross-country skiers at Trantjerngård, north of Oslo.
AKO Foundation support since 2024
The Foundation has agreed to support a capital project to create a new museum in Kristiansand, Norway. The museum will showcase aspects of Kristiansand’s and the region’s history, including its maritime heritage, and will make extensive use of digital and virtual reality experiences.
This project has received funding commitments from a broad coalition of public and private bodies; it is expected to get underway during 2025, with opening likely in 2028.