# Fafo Foundation

> Norwegian research foundation

**Wikidata**: [Q5429350](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5429350)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fafo_Foundation)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fafo-foundation

## Summary
Fafo Foundation (Fafo) is a Norwegian research institute and nonprofit foundation founded in 1982 by the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions. Based in Oslo, it conducts applied social science research and is recognized as a prominent independent research center in Norway.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1982
- **Founder**: Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions
- **Headquarters**: Oslo Municipality, Norway
- **Legal Form**: Stiftelse (Foundation)
- **Industry**: Research
- **Employees**: 82 (as of 2025)
- **Endowment (2022)**: 50,200,000 Norwegian krone
- **Total Equity (2022)**: 72,930,000 Norwegian krone
- **Official Name (Current)**: Forskningsstiftelsen Fafo (Fafo Research Foundation), adopted in 1993
- **Previous Name**: Fagbevegelsens senter for forskning, utredning og dokumentasjon (1982–1993)

## FAQs
### Q: Who founded Fafo Foundation?
A: Fafo Foundation was founded in 1982 by the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO). It was established as an independent research foundation to support labor movement interests with evidence-based research.

### Q: What type of organization is Fafo?
A: Fafo is a research institute and nonprofit foundation (stiftelse) under Norwegian law. It is classified as an independent research organization that generates and applies social science knowledge.

### Q: Where is Fafo Foundation located?
A: Fafo is headquartered in Oslo Municipality, Norway. Its offices are located in the Grønland area of Oslo.

## Why It Matters
Fafo Foundation plays a significant role in Norwegian and international social science research. Established by the trade union movement, Fafo conducts applied research that informs public policy, labor relations, welfare systems, and social development. Its work bridges academic research and practical application, making complex social issues accessible to policymakers, organizations, and the public. The foundation has built a substantial endowment and equity base, reflecting its stability and the trust placed in it by stakeholders. Fafo's evolution from a trade union research center to a broader independent research foundation demonstrates its growing influence and capacity to address diverse societal challenges beyond labor issues.

## Notable For
- Being one of Norway's prominent independent applied research institutes
- Maintaining significant financial stability with an endowment of over 50 million Norwegian krone (as of 2022)
- Evolving from a trade union-focused research center (1982–1993) to a broader social science research foundation
- Employing a substantial research staff of 82 employees (as of 2025)
- Operating as a nonprofit foundation (stiftelse) with a clear public interest mission

## Body

### History and Founding
Fafo Foundation was established in 1982 in Norway. Its original name was "Fagbevegelsens senter for forskning, utredning og dokumentasjon" (The Trade Union Center for Research, Documentation and Education). In 1993, the organization was renamed "Forskningsstiftelsen Fafo" (Fafo Research Foundation), reflecting a broadened scope and identity while retaining its acronym. The foundation was created by the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (Landsorganisasjonen i Norge, LO) to provide research support for the labor movement.

### Organizational Structure and Legal Status
Fafo operates as a "stiftelse," the Norwegian legal form for a foundation. It is registered as a nonprofit organization. The foundation's Norwegian organisation number is 969990695. Its headquarters are located in Oslo Municipality, specifically in the Grønland district.

### Financial Overview
Fafo Foundation maintains a robust financial position. Key financial data includes:
- **Endowment (2022)**: 50,200,000 Norwegian krone
- **Total Equity (2022)**: 72,930,000 Norwegian krone
- **Historical Endowment Values**: The foundation's endowment has fluctuated over time, starting at 27,595,000 NOK in 2004 and reaching 57,835,000 NOK in 2013.

### Leadership
As of recent records, the chairperson of Fafo's board is Peggy Hessen Følsvik.

### Digital Presence and Identifiers
Fafo maintains a comprehensive digital presence:
- **Website**: https://fafo.no
- **Social Media**: Twitter (@fafoinfo), Facebook (Fafo.info), Instagram (@fafoinfo), LinkedIn (fafo), YouTube (fafotv)
- **Academic and Research Identifiers**:
  - ISNI: 0000000085040730
  - ROR ID: 00ee9xb13
  - VIAF ID: 122715199
  - GRID ID: grid.425072.6
  - Ringgold ID: 6284
  - Library of Congress Authority ID: n98034570
  - EU Participant Identification Code: 988376069

## References

1. [Source](https://lottstift.no/stiftelsesregisteret/detaljer/969990695)
2. GRID Release 2017-01-10
3. [Source](https://www.fafo.no/om-fafo/fafo/fafos-styrer-og-rad)
4. [Fafo og vår historie](https://www.fafo.no/om-fafo/fafo)
5. GRID Release 2015-12-14
6. GRID Release 2016-12-06
7. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
8. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
9. [Source](https://www.stiftelsesregisteret.no/account/001P4000007juYMIAY/forskningsstiftelsen-fafo)
10. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
11. YouTube API