# Bates College Endowment

Bates College Endowment is an Endowment / Foundation based in Lewiston, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Lewiston, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** 216 Lane Hall, 2 Andrews Road, Lewiston, ME 04240, United States
- **Founded:** 1855
- **Assets under management:** 447 (Altss estimate)
- **Website:** www.bates.edu

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Bates College was founded in 1855 by Benjamin Bates with wealth from the textile sector. The endowment operates as the primary financial engine for the college's academic programs and financial aid. The portfolio includes public equities, hedge funds, private equity partnerships, and venture capital exposure across the United States and global markets. Direct holdings encompass the Lewiston campus valued near $140 million, the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, and the Shortridge Coastal Center. The endowment also maintains art collections exceeding 8,000 objects. Limited partnership commitments target buyout and early-stage strategies. The endowment reported $447 million in assets. It maintains membership in NACUBO and NESCAC. In May 2024 the Board of Trustees conducted its spring meeting on endowment oversight and infrastructure. Investure has acted as OCIO since 2025. The structure routes all investment decisions through an external OCIO while the Board of Trustees retains final authority over policy and spending.

## Sectors

- Education

## People

- Garry W. Jenkins — President
- Gregory A. Ehret — Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Geoffrey S. Swift — Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Bates College Endowment?

Investure, LLC serves as outsourced chief investment officer. The Board of Trustees sets policy and approves budgets.

### What asset classes does the endowment allocate to?

Public equities, hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, real estate, and commodities appear in the portfolio.

### Does the endowment make direct investments or only fund commitments?

It holds direct ownership of campus real estate and art collections while committing as a limited partner to external private equity and venture funds.

### How is the endowment governed relative to the college?

The President and Trustees of Bates College hold legal title. Day-to-day investment management sits with the OCIO while trustees retain spending and policy authority.

## Related profiles

- [Agrisano Pencas](https://altss.com/profile/agrisano-pencas)
- [Carnegie Institute Endowment](https://altss.com/profile/carnegie-institute-endowment)

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/bates-college-endowment

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