Norway Distributes €253M in VAT Compensation to Voluntary Organizations

The Norwegian Gaming and Foundation Authority (Lottstift) has distributed NOK 2.87 billion (approximately €253 million) in VAT compensation to voluntary organizations across Norway.

Record Applications and PayoutsThe authority received 2,963 applications covering 25,390 organizations. Of these, 24,940 organizations received compensation, including 1,100 first-time recipients.

"For the fifth consecutive year, we see an increase in application numbers, and payouts have grown every single year since 2010," said Marianne Skjeldestad Hove, Director of the Voluntary Sector Support Division at Lottstift.

Payment ScheduleDue to delayed budget approval proceedings in the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget), payments were made in two tranches—the first just before Christmas and the second in January 2026.

Largest RecipientsThe Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (Norges idrettsforbund) leads among umbrella organizations that apply on behalf of their member associations and distribute funds accordingly.

Lottstift administers the VAT compensation scheme for voluntary organizations on behalf of Norway's Ministry of Culture and Equality.