Yesterday, today, tomorrow, forever!

How forests, farmland, buildings, and capital become knowledge

Putting assets to work across generations may sound almost like a metaphor. For the Uppsala University Foundations Management of Estates and Funds (UAF), that is the mission. Through four very different types of asset management, UAF creates long-term value that supports research and education at Uppsala University.

A farm, a forest property, an urban property, and a securities portfolio may seem to have little in common. Yet they can all be assets held by one of the 612 foundations affiliated with Uppsala University and managed by UAF.

Over the centuries, this capital has been donated by people with their own personal dreams of a better world. Their contributions continue to change the world long after they themselves are gone. On average, Uppsala University has received two donations per year. Over the past 25 years, donations have ranged from SEK 1 million to SEK 40 million. The funds support research and education at Uppsala University.

Four areas of specialized expertise

Agricultural Management works with farms, land, and agricultural lease relationships. Forest Management manages forests and land with a very long-term perspective. Property Management manages and develops buildings and places. Financial Management manages financial capital through investments in a variety of securities.

The work differs greatly across the four areas. What they share is that the assets must generate returns today while also being preserved and developed so that the foundations can fulfill their purposes far into the future.

UAF is one of Sweden’s largest landowners. As of December 31, 2025, total assets under management amounted to just over SEK 18 billion.

Returns with a defined purpose

UAF operates without a private profit motive. Returns are used in accordance with the terms governing each foundation. They may fund scholarships for students and researchers, various types of grants, initiatives that support research, or the University administration.

Every year, UAF provides substantial financial support for research at Uppsala University. More than SEK 2 billion has been distributed for various purposes over the past ten years.

Donor intent determines what the assets may support—sometimes several centuries after the donation was made.

Closely connected, but with distinct roles

UAF is an independent organization commissioned by Uppsala University to manage foundations affiliated with the University.

UAF manages the assets, generates returns, and safeguards their value over time. Uppsala University conducts the research and provides the education. Donor intent determines how the returns from each foundation may be used.

The deed of gift from 1624 marked the beginning. The work began that year with agricultural management. This long-term stewardship is what allows the gift to continue creating value today—and to keep doing so for generations to come.

Learn more about our work in agricultural, forest, property, and financial management.