Finance and Investment

• The Crop Trust’s Endowment Fund grew to USD 398 million, delivering a strong 14.3% return and generating USD 51 million in investment gains.
• Income from projects and other unrestricted contributions totalled USD 10.5 million.
• Project contributions received totalled USD 7.2 million, with new tech-sector engagement.

Endowment Fund at a Glance

The Endowment Fund remains at the heart of the Crop Trust’s financial model, providing long-term, predictable funding to conserve crop diversity and make it available for use.

In 2025, the Endowment Fund delivered a strong return of 14.3%, compared to 7.3% the year before. The Fund’s value increased to USD 398 million, driven by market performance and new contributions. Net investment gains reached USD 51 million. Each year, a portion of these returns is used to support genebank operations.

Responsible investment strengthens the alignment of our investment portfolio and mission with broader societal objectives. The Crop Trust is an official signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and undertakes regular PRI reporting. For the most recent submission, we received above-average scores, demonstrating strong ESG performance and leadership of the investment portfolio. We also support the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures.  

Concessional Loan

In 2017, the Crop Trust received a EUR 50 million concessional loan from the German Development Bank, KfW. By the end of 2025, EUR 17 million had been repaid, leaving a remaining balance of EUR 33 million. In 2025, the Executive Board approved early repayment of the outstanding balance, with complete repayment scheduled in early 2026. 

The loan proceeds were invested in a fund that had a market value of EUR 38.6 million at the end of 2025 and generated a return of 5.3% during the year. Following repayment of the loan, gains from the fund will be transferred into the Endowment Fund, further strengthening the Crop Trust’s long-term financing model.

Financial Results

The Crop Trust maintained a strong and stable financial position in 2025, continuing to increase support for the long-term conservation of crop diversity. Total 2025 expenditures amounted to USD 21 million, with USD 17 million in program expenditure, including long-term and time-bound support for important collections of crop diversity. USD 1.2 million was used to support communication and partnership-related activities to strengthen engagement with donors, partners and stakeholders. Administrative expenditures totalled USD 2.7 million and covered essential management, governance, information technology and facilities costs.

Revenue from projects and other unrestricted income totalled USD 10.5 million. 

Financial Support

In 2025, contributions totalling  USD 7.2 million were received from donors. Support came from long-standing partners and new contributors, including the first major tech sector contribution. 

Financial Audit

Crop Trust financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH.

The full Financial Statements and Independent Auditor’s Report are available on the Crop Trust’s website.