The overall aim of the Hans Christian Andersen 2005 Foundation was to convey a multi-facetted image of Hans Christian Andersen to the world through literature, drama, dance, opera, museum exhibitions, music, entertainment, visual art, movies and TV with the aim of stimulating interest in the works of Hans Christian Andersen.

The Hans Christian Andersen 2005 Foundation granted 250 sponsorships. An additional 130 projects endorsed the official bicentennial logo.
Budgetary cut backs led to the cancellation of just 10 projects.