Deceased man leaves nearly €175,000 to Danish municipality for local projects

A man who died last autumn has bequeathed 1.3 million Danish kroner (€175,000) to Frederikshavn Municipality, with the condition that the funds be used in the area once covered by the former Skagen Municipality, state broadcaster DR reports.

The donor, a longtime summer resident of Skagen, had no direct heirs after his wife’s death 20 years ago. His neighbour and friend, local councillor Jens Borup (Venstre), described him as deeply engaged in municipal affairs and committed to the old Skagen Municipality’s welfare.

“He wanted the money used for something that mattered to him while he was alive,” Borup said. The two often discussed local challenges, including labour shortages and youth outmigration—issues Borup called “dark clouds” over the region.

The municipality’s finance committee has tasked Borup and a Social Democrat colleague with forming a four-person group, including two additional Skagen residents, to determine how the funds will be allocated. Borup suggested recruiting the donor’s other local friends to ensure the choice aligns with his wishes.