The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

The foundation aims to distribute funds for general charitable purposes, including cultural and research purposes. Support for research purposes is primarily provided in the form of support for Ph.D. schools in collaboration with the leading Danish universities. Furthermore, the foundation aims to establish and operate nonprofit research centers to conduct clinical studies of the highest quality and to conduct research by the best Danish and international researchers in medical science, all in accordance with applicable ethical health regulations. The results of such studies and research are to be allocated to other research centers, universities, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. The foundation's primary purpose here is to initiate research projects within the aforementioned area and thus serve as an "incubator" for new research projects/results that can be allocated to third parties.

Since 2005, the Danish Research Foundation's business activities and overall condition have allowed the Board of Directors to allocate grants. Since then, the Foundation has distributed over 250 million DKK. These distributions fall into three categories: life sciences and natural sciences research, art and culture, and miscellaneous projects.