How the IKEA Foundation fights poverty and climate change

Can you spot the link between solar panels and pottery? Or a fly and a tomato?

The IKEA Foundation works with more than 150 partners whose unexpected solutions connect to transformational impact helping to combat two of the biggest threats to humanity: poverty and climate change. Working independently from the IKEA retail business, the IKEA Foundation has already provided more than €2 billion in grants, supporting millions of children and families around the world.

Learn more about the work IKEA Foundation’s partners do and discover some of the surprising solutions that already exist to create a better everyday life for the many people.

Global problems, local solutions

The IKEA Foundation works in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities where the needs – and the opportunities – are greatest. During IKEA Foundation week, we shine a spotlight on some of the incredible partners working in their local communities to develop solutions that can be used all over the world. There are big challenges facing these communities – but fortunately even simple changes can create big transformations. Curious to know how? Watch the videos below to discover the surprising links between IKEA Foundation’s partners’ solutions and their transformational impact.

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An individual working on a pottery wheel, shaping a tall clay pot. The person is wearing a red and white striped shirt and is seated on a chair, leaning over the pottery piece in concentration. The background shows a rustic setting with corrugated metal walls, indicating this may be an artisan’s workshop.

Can you spot the link between solar panels and pottery?

We challenged IKEA customers to find the connection between solar panels and pottery.

A person holding a large basket full of brown round objects, likely nuts or fruits, above their head. The basket is woven with patterns on the rim. The individual is wearing a gray long-sleeved shirt and a hat with black and red patterns on the brim. The background features a hazy green landscape, suggesting an outdoor setting in a rural or natural environment.

Transforming the food system to benefit people and planet

Learn how the IKEA Foundation works with partners to produce and use food in ways that promote people’s well-being while respecting planetary boundaries.

A person stands in a container filled with large bags and piles of various fabrics. The person is wearing a green top and a patterned skirt, and appears to be working or sorting through the materials.

Can you spot the link between an old t-shirt and an auditorium?

We headed in-store to ask IKEA customers if they could spot the link between an old t-shirt and an auditorium.

An aerial view of a solar power installation with several rows of large solar panels arranged neatly on a cleared patch of land. In the background, there is lush greenery with numerous trees, and a small blue building with a white roof is situated near the solar panels.

Transforming the energy system to benefit people and planet

Discover how the IKEA Foundation works with partners to give more people access to solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the shift to renewable energy.

An person sitting outdoors holding a small plant with green leaves. The person is wearing a pink hoodie and patterned pants. In the background, there are more green plants and trees.

Can you spot the link between a fly and a tomato?

See how many of the IKEA customers we spoke to were able to find the link between a fly and a tomato.

Curious about more unexpected links?

Sometimes even small changes can create big transformations. Click below to discover the surprising links between the IKEA Foundation’s partners’ solutions and their transformational impact.

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Did you know

Since the IKEA Foundation was established, it’s paid out more than €2 billion in funding.

Three individuals harvesting yellow flowering plants in a field. One person is holding a large bowl filled with the harvested green plants, while the other two is actively picking the plants. The setting appears in natural daylight, and the focus is on the agricultural activity and the lush greenery of the plants, which contrasts with the yellow flowers.

Food System Transformation

Our food systems aren’t working – for people or for the planet. There are nearly 800 million people facing chronic hunger, and hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers living in poverty. Meanwhile, up to one-third of global emissions come from the food system.

By adopting circular, regenerative and agroecological practices, we can transition to a food systems approach that respects the limits of our planet and ensures the well-being of people, now and in the future.

A person is cleaning a solar panel. The individual is using their right hand to spread water or a cleaning solution over the surface of the panel. The background features a blurred natural landscape, emphasizing the maintenance of sustainable energy sources.

Energy System Transformation

Around 3.5 billion people lack reliable access to energy, making it difficult for them to earn an income. At the same time, greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels are damaging the climate and the natural resources people depend on for their livelihoods.

By accelerating the shift to renewable energy, we can enable people to boost their incomes so they can afford a better life – all while reducing emissions to combat climate change and protect the planet for future generations.

A person stands in a cluttered area filled with an assortment of discarded items. There are piles of plastic bottles, containers, and bags, alongside cardboard boxes and general refuse. The setting is outdoors with trees visible in the background. The person wear a white t-shirt, dark pants, and sandals.

Together, we can change the story of our planet for good

Discover how the IKEA Foundation is working together with its partners to rewrite the story.

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Potriat of a women standing on a open field smiling.

Where does the IKEA Foundation get its money from?

The IKEA Foundation is proud to share the name, values, and founder of IKEA, while operating independently from the retail business.

The IKEA Foundation receives its funding from INGKA Foundation, the owner of INGKA Group - the largest IKEA retailer. The ownership of INGKA Group gives INGKA Foundation the resources to achieve its charitable purpose.

Profits from INGKA Group are only allowed to go back into the business or be provided to INGKA Foundation. The funding INGKA Foundation provides for the IKEA Foundation originally comes from the dividends it receives from INGKA Group.You can learn more about the INGKA Foundation by visiting its website.

In 2022 the IKEA Foundation paid out EUR 268 million. Since 2009 it's now more than EUR 2 billion.

You can learn more about the IKEA Foundation by visiting its website.