In 1982, Ingvar Kamprad decided to transfer the ownership of Ingka Group, which owns and operates the majority of IKEA stores globally, to INGKA Foundation to secure longevity for the business and to support charitable programmes enabled by dividends from Ingka Group. Over time, he set up three foundations: INGKA Foundation, IMAS Foundation and IKEA Foundation.
All three Foundations share a charitable purpose, which is to create a better everyday life for the many people. No person is entitled to the assets of any of the foundations. Each foundation has its own expertise, role and is an independent legal entity, with separate corporate governance and separate day-to-day management.
By setting up these foundations, Ingvar Kamprad found a way to support his vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people while securing the long-term ownership and independence of Ingka Group.