Our Story: Rooted in Purpose. Built for Impact.
The Nordic Global Investment Foundation (NGIF) was born from the unwavering vision and lived experience of its founder, Mr. Jens Kjærgaard a Danish engineer, global citizen, and passionate advocate for sustainable development.
Born in Silkeborg, Denmark, in 1957, Mr. Kjærgaard graduated with honours from the Technical University at the age of 24. His career began in the Faroe Islands and quickly expanded to frontier markets, where he contributed to vital infrastructure projects in Gambia, South Yemen, Tanzania, and Somalia. With over 18 years of experience abroad, including 11 years as an expatriate, he gained deep insight into the needs, challenges, and aspirations of developing communities.
A significant incident transpired during a family visit to Zanzibar, Tanzania, when Mr. Kjærgaard was subjected to a violent assault by local bandits at a secluded coastal bungalow. He suffered severe injuries to his wrists, requiring emergency surgery in Kenya and months of recovery in Tanzania. Most would have walked away. But for Mr. Kjærgaard, the experience ignited a deeper calling. Rather than turning away, he committed himself to Africa with even greater resolve.
With firsthand knowledge of both the potential and pain of underserved regions, Mr. Kjærgaard envisioned a new model of development, one grounded in empathy, sustainability, and action without profit as the primary motive.
His impressive engineering portfolio spans five continents, including roads, ports, hydroelectric power plants, tunnels, airports, railways, and metro systems. (View portfolio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-kj%C3%A6rgaard-6743b4/ )
Driven by a desire to give back, Mr. Kjærgaard founded NGIF as a global non-profit vehicle to finance sustainable development. Together with his trusted CFO, Mr. Jan Willumsgaard, and the guidance of a seasoned American financial advisor, he established a unique funding model: non-repayable, collateral-based grants aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Today, NGIF supports impactful infrastructure and humanitarian projects that build resilient communities and promote economic and social equity—leaving the world better today than it was yesterday.