Established in 2023
Voluntās Foundation
Established in 2023, the Voluntās Foundation aims to broaden our engagement and support initiatives that foster just, sustainable, and meaningful human advancement. The Foundation backs locally-led initiatives and spearheads innovative research on meaningfulness through its Center for Applied Meaningfulness. Key projects include the Global Meaningfulness Index and the Youth Meaningfulness Index, both designed to measure and enhance the impact of meaningful actions worldwide.
Core activities and research goals
Foundation’s Mission and Research Initiatives
The Voluntās Foundation is committed to promoting human development that is just, sustainable, and deeply meaningful. Our research objectives are centered around understanding the factors that contribute to a meaningful life and society. We aim to generate actionable insights through comprehensive studies and innovative projects such as the Global Meaningfulness Index and the Youth Meaningfulness Index. By evaluating the impact of meaningful actions and providing data-driven recommendations, we strive to influence policies and practices that promote global wellbeing and human potential
Philanthropic contributions to society
Philosophical Guidance and Philanthropic Impact
The foundation not only aims to guide Voluntās Advisory as a long-term moral compass but also boosts human potential through philanthropic support to organizations, forward-thinking companies, and individuals. It emphasizes the integration of academic research, educational initiatives, and community projects to explore and operationalize meaningfulness in both public policies and organizational practices, bridging corporate and non-profit sectors for greater societal impact.
Social relationships and partnerships
Cultural Connections and Global Partnerships
The Voluntās Foundation extends its commitment through diverse initiatives that build social relationships and foster partnerships across cultures. By collaborating with local artists, museums, and community organizations, and by supporting intersectional inclusion, the foundation nurtures a multicultural environment. These initiatives not only enhance understanding and cooperation among different cultures but also strengthen global networks, ensuring that the principles of meaningfulness resonate widely and lead to substantial social change. These efforts exemplify the foundation’s mission to create a more interconnected and meaningful world.
Board Diversity and Expertise
Board composition
The board of the Global Meaningfulness Index is composed of distinguished individuals from diverse backgrounds, each contributing unique expertise and perspectives to guide the organization’s mission. The board includes Morten Albæk, a Danish philosopher and CEO; Dr. Rahul Shaji, an Indian labor market research specialist; Nisreen Elsaim, a Sudanese youth climate activist; Jesper Hallegraeff, a Danish lawyer; Eliza Lykke, a Danish author and entrepreneur; and Emilia Albæk, a student representative from Denmark, ensuring the inclusion of youthful insights and academic viewpoints.
Morten Albæk
Author, philosopher and CEO of Voluntās
Nisreen Elsaim
Youth climate activist and climate negotiator Member of the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.
Dr. Rahul Shaji
Assistant Professor, Labour Market Research Facility Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
Elisa Lykke
Author and entrepreneur Member of the board of Voluntās
Jeppe Hallager
Lawyer at HjulmandKaptain
Emilia Albæk
Student
our purpose
Supporting just, sustainable, and meaningful human advancement
As the long-term owner and moral compass of Voluntās Advisory, the foundation fosters the evolution of humanistic capitalism, incorporating diverse outside perspectives to ensure that Voluntās remains true to its purpose and philosophy for generations.
Through philanthropic efforts, we support organizations, forward-thinking companies, and individuals in realizing their potential, focusing on transformative initiatives that align with our values.
Vision for the foundation
Pioneering sustainable progress
The creation of a foundation was a natural next step for the Voluntas community and for the Albæk family. Family-owned companies and companies with foundation ownership tend to exhibit a greater degree of responsibility, ethics, and long-term perspective compared to those with alternative ownership structures.
The Foundation serves as an additional tool to consolidate Voluntās’ footprint and the positive impact we want to have in the world. We want to be boldly ambitious and innovative. We want to challenge systems in place in a smooth but daring way. We want to have a positive measurable impact on the world.
Fanny Marchand
Contact us
Get involved
For inquiries, partnerships, or feedback, reach out to our director, Fanny Marchand.
Center for applied meaningfulness
A global meaningfulness baseline
To democratize this philosophy, we want to build a new, human-centered metric. A global meaningfulness baseline to constantly challengethe truths about what constitutes a good life and a viable civilization.
Center for Applied Meaningfulness
Explore the transformative initiatives at Voluntās’ Center for Applied Meaningfulness, where we redefine societal well-being and human progress beyond conventional metrics like GDP. Our center pioneers research and develops indexes like the Global Meaningfulness Index, focusing on diverse areas such as education, health, and urban planning. Through our work, we aim to understand and enhance the depth of meaning in every aspect of life, promoting sustainable and profound societal change.
Global Meaningfulness Index
The Global Meaningfulness Index (GMI) is conceptualized and based on the notion of Human Potential Realization. This means viewing human beings as potentials, rather than resources. By virtue of being born, every individual has a potential to be developed and realized through living a meaningful life. This approach integrates past, present, and future experiences to build resilience, and is determined by subjectiveness and self-expression.
Youth Meaningfulness Index
Explore the transformative world of the Youth Meaningfulness Index (YMI), a groundbreaking initiative by the Voluntās Foundation. Designed to measure and enhance how youth experience meaning in their lives, YMI equips policymakers and educators with vital insights to improve educational and socio-developmental outcomes. Through extensive research across diverse cultural and socioeconomic landscapes, YMI aims to foster a deeper understanding of the drivers of meaningfulness in young lives. Join us in shaping a purpose-driven future for the next generation.
Investigating meaning in every aspect of life
Center for Applied Meaningfulness
Discover a world at the Center for Applied Meaningfulness where societal well-being is redefined through metrics that transcend GDP. This center champions meaningfulness as a core indicator of human progress, exploring its impact across various sectors such as education, health, urban planning, and public finance. We delve into the intricacies of life’s experiences, aiming to unearth and cultivate the “constellations of meaning” that enrich human existence. Join us in our journey to forge deeper, more significant connections across all aspects of society.
We invite collaboration and participation, whether you’re a government entity, educational institution, or an individual passionate about meaningful change. Masters and PhD students interested in advancing research on meaningfulness are encouraged to contribute to our pioneering efforts. Connect with us to learn more about our ongoing projects and opportunities for partnership.
Measuring meaning in life across the globe
Global Meaningfulness Index 2023
The Global Meaningfulness Index measures societal well-being through dimensions like purpose, leadership, and personal growth, offering a more holistic view of human progress beyond GDP. Learn about the comprehensive metrics and methodologies behind the GMI, designed to capture the true essence of societal health and progress.
Discover how GMI insights are driving changes in public policy and corporate strategies to enhance quality of life globally
Beyond GDP: A New Metric for Progress
Understanding the Global Meaningfulness Index
The Global Meaningfulness Index (GMI) revolutionizes our approach to measuring societal well-being by focusing on aspects of life that truly matter to human fulfillment. Rather than relying solely on economic indicators, the GMI assesses elements like personal growth, purpose, leadership, and belonging. This shift aims to provide a fuller picture of societal health and progress, advocating for policies that support meaningful living.
What Does Meaningfulness Really Measure?
The Components of the GMI
Delving deeper, the GMI evaluates key areas that contribute to an individual’s sense of a meaningful life. By analyzing factors such as the quality of leadership within communities, opportunities for personal and professional development, and the strength of social bonds, the GMI constructs a multi-dimensional view of well-being. This comprehensive approach helps identify strengths and weaknesses within societies, guiding targeted improvements.
Using GMI Insights for Better Governance
Impacting Policy and Society
The insights provided by the GMI are not just academic; they have practical implications for policy-making. By highlighting areas where meaningfulness is lacking, the GMI encourages governments and organizations to initiate reforms and programs that enhance life quality. This focus on meaningful development promises to guide global efforts towards more supportive, resilient, and connected societies, ultimately leading to a higher overall quality of life for all individuals.