Hurtigruten Foundation
The Hurtigruten Foundation brings together Hurtigruten, our guests, partners and private donors to help fund initiatives that protect nature, preserve cultural heritage and support local communities along the Norwegian coast and in Svalbard.
For more than 130 years, Hurtigruten has sailed the Norwegian coast. With that history comes a responsibility to help care for the places and communities that make these voyages possible.
The Hurtigruten Foundation was established to support projects that help preserve the Norwegian coast for future generations. Working with our guests, partners and private donors, the Foundation funds initiatives that protect nature, preserve cultural heritage and support local communities along the Norwegian coast and in Svalbard.
Every contribution helps make these projects possible, creating opportunities for people to come together and care for the places that make this coastline so special.
Our key focus areas
To create a lasting impact, the Hurtigruten Foundation focuses on three critical areas:
1. Protecting Nordic and Arctic nature and wildlife
2. Reducing ocean and coastal pollution
3. Supporting local communities
Together for life along the coast – for more than a decade
From individual contributions to shared responsibility
For more than a decade, we have, together with our guests, supported what makes the Norwegian coast and Svalbard unique: the nature, the people, and the communities.
Since 1893, Hurtigruten has sailed along the coast in close collaboration with the communities we visit. In 2015, then-Communications Director Anne Marit Bjørneflatten and Environmental Manager Jørn Henriksen shared an idea: Hurtigruten should give more back to the communities we sail through—not just with words and applause, but with tangible contributions that create real value.
This idea gave birth to an independent foundation. With NOK 100,000 in initial capital, Hurtigruten Foundation began modestly, providing small grants for local initiatives such as school supplies or sports team clothing. The goal was to support the smaller initiatives that often do not get funding from larger foundations.
Previously, support was sporadic. With Hurtigruten Foundation, engagement gained structure, allowing both guests and crew to contribute to concrete local projects. This marked the beginning of a systematic and responsible effort to support nature and communities along the coast.
More than 10 years later, Hurtigruten Foundation has distributed over NOK 16 million to more than 200 projects in 25 countries. Every year, we collect millions from guests on board – all funds are returned in full to local communities.
Read about some of the amazing projects we have supported over the years:
Our impact stories
We fund and collaborate with projects, researchers, and local initiatives that bring knowledge, awareness and action to protect the fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage of the Norwegian coast.
Development Pioneers in the Lofoten Islands
The Guardians of the Kelp Restoring an Underwater Forest
Cleaning Up Plastic on Svalbard’s Remote Beaches
Mountain Steps Help More People Access the Spectacular Nature of Norway
Training Rescue Dogs in Svalbard to Save Lives During Avalanches
Funding criteria and applications
Through our common admiration and love for oceans, wildlife, local communities and the pristine destinations we explore, we invite you to join us and be part of the solution.
Am I eligible?
We welcome applications from any organisation undertaking projects or initiatives concerned with our areas above and in destinations where we operate.
Click the button below to read our full application guidelines.
How do I apply?
Applications for 2026 are open from 15.09.2026 to 18.10.2026.
Application form and guidelines
Application form
Application guidelines
In 2025, we awarded 25 grants and appointed a new Board bringing new energy to our foundation. In addition to that we have established an employee committee that will advise the board – connecting Hurtigruten Foundation, the company and the coast even more tightly together. As the new Coordinator, I look forward to building on this legacy and continuing our work into 2026 with optimism and ambition.
Contact us
Do you have questions or need more information? Get in touch with the team via email on [email protected].