“Happiness in life does not depend on wealth — we all know that — but financial independence often brings a freedom of thought and opinion that is of great value. It also entails a responsibility to lead a sober life and to help others.”
These words have rested on Ebba Fischer’s desk for the past 17 years, a quiet reminder of wisdom. The note once belonged to the late business mogul Holger Crafoord (Åkerlund & Rausing, Tetra Pak, Gambro), who dedicated his fortune to supporting others through the Crafoord Foundation. As his granddaughter, Ebba has carried forward his mission as chair of the foundation since 2008, navigating the responsibilities attached to her family legacy. Now, she stands at the threshold of a new chapter as she is stepping down before the end of the year.
Growing up in the Crafoord family
It’s easy to imagine that growing up in the Crafoord family meant a life of luxury and privilege. Yet Ebba Fischer paints a different picture of a humble upbringing in Småland, where the belief in education as a path to opportunity ran deep. Her great-grandmother, a single mother who ran a small milk shop, placed a donation box on the counter to save for Holger Crafoord’s schooling. That story left a lasting impression on Ebba, reinforcing her belief in hard work and perseverance.
“I was actually born Rosenblad, not Crafoord“
During her university years, few paid much attention to her family name. “I was actually born Rosenblad, not Crafoord,” she explains. “But many still knew I was connected to the Crafoord family. Especially when the Holger Crafoord Centre was being built right in the middle of my business studies. I got the occasional joke about how I should be the one buying drinks, since I could afford it. But it never went much further than that.”
Growing up in a neighborhood with neighbors and friends who all came from environments where nothing was taken for granted, also helped shape her values.
A Party Master and an Honorary Doctorate Degree
In 2014, Ebba Fischer was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Humanities in recognition for her leadership and interest for advancing the humanities. It is, of course, a very prestigious title – but so is being “The Official Party Master (!)” of the 1990 Lund Carnival.
Together, the two distinctions, and everything in between, capture the essence of who Ebba Fischer is to Lund, and what Lund has meant to her in return.
Licensed physical therapist – time to shape up
After a few years of scattered university courses and life skills earned through a more social curriculum, Ebba settled on studying for a degree in Physical therapy. She vividly remembers how she thought it was time to shape up. “I was 26 years old, I was a single mother and I thought it was time to get my act together, and the physiotherapy profession appealed to me. I wanted to study medicine, but with a young daughter, I realised my limitations. And I am very happy I attended that amazing and interesting program in the end.”
After gaining experience in clinical care across multiple hospital departments, Ebba’s path took a new turn when her mother stepped down as chair, and the board selected Ebba to succeed her in 2008.
What makes people want to give?
What makes people want to give? Is it empathy, a sense of responsibility, gratitude – or something else? For Ebba Fischer, the answer isn’t clear-cut, but she believes all these motivations play a part. The Crafoord Foundation distributes more than 145 million SEK each year, with a large share going to Lund University’s strong research environments.
Fischer is clear about her role: she doesn’t judge which scientific projects are most deserving of funding herself.
“When it comes to scientific projects, I personally don’t have enough knowledge to judge which should be prioritised, she explains, so I rely on the process. All applications are reviewed by expert committees, and decisions are made by the board.”
But the Crafoord Foundation doesn’t only support science and education projects. Local initiatives in culture, social welfare and public benefit are also very important.
The projects that left a lasting impression
One of the first projects Ebba contributed to, at just 18 years old, helped award a grant that enabled the founding of Kulturmejeriet, one of Lund’s most important concert venues and a true cornerstone of the cultural DNA in Lund. That experience shaped her early career and left a lasting impression.
“It made a strong impression on me that the foundation my grandfather had created, could do something like that,” she explains.
Since then, the projects that have mattered most to Ebba are those where the impact of their support is clearly visible, both in research and beyond. Notable examples include the Palliative Care Development Centre, We Have A Dream and Fontänhuset in Lund.
Yet the moments that move her the very most are often small: “I’m especially happy when we receive heartfelt thank-you notes from sports clubs and schools for children with special needs. When we can make a difference for children and young people, it brings me real joy.”
Enjoying life’s simple pleasures
After decades of giving her time and energy to charitable projects, Ebba Fischer leaves a legacy defined by generosity and lasting impact. Now she is handing over the baton to her sister Anna Manhusen.
“I feel that after so many years of involvement, it’s time to step down. The Crafoord Foundation is a very well-functioning organisation and will likely benefit from having people with fresh perspectives,” she says.
What will she do now?
At 58, Ebba does not have a clear road map ahead. But perhaps it means that she can look forward to a slower pace. A sunny autumn day, a good stew on the stove and quiet evenings with a crime novel. And of course, life with her husband, her four children and even a grandchild – the things in life that, apart from helping others, truly nourish the soul and offer the richest rewards.
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Useful links
Crafoordska stiftelsen – Grundad av Holger Crafoord 1980
Palliative Care Development Centre