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FAU Foundation
Florida Atlantic University Foundation was established in 1960 to handle philanthropic support for the university. It operates as a 501(c)(3) entity with no...
FAU Foundation
Florida Atlantic University Foundation was established in 1960 to handle philanthropic support for the university. It operates as a 501(c)(3) entity with no disclosed family wealth origin. The foundation targets diversified exposure that includes private equity, early-stage venture, and real estate. Confirmed holdings include a commitment to Harbert Management Corporation funds and the Polen Capital student investment vehicle. Geographic focus centers on Florida with additional exposure through national fund commitments. It also holds direct real estate assets such as the Glades Road Retail Complex under ground lease and the Research Park land parcel. The endowment stands at $267 million with an outsourced chief investment officer arrangement through Fund Evaluation Group since 2020. The foundation maintains three additional legal counsel relationships and participates in local networks including the Palm Beach Investment Research Group. A 2023 sponsorship of the Artist Innovation Fellowship Showcase marked one of its recent public activities. Governance flows through a board that includes university-linked principals and external wealth managers. This creates a hybrid model where investment policy serves institutional academic needs rather than generational wealth transfer.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1960
AUM
$617M+
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Boca Raton
Corporate office
777 Glades Road ADM 247, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991, United States
Principals
Brian Poulin
Board Chair
Paul Kilgallon
Real Estate Committee Chair
Zach Berg
Investment Committee Chair
Michael L. Miller
Treasurer
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at FAU Foundation?
Brian Poulin serves as Board Chair. Zach Berg chairs the Investment Committee. Fund Evaluation Group acts as outsourced chief investment officer since 2020.
Does FAU Foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The foundation holds both. It maintains a fund commitment to Harbert Management Corporation and owns direct real estate assets including ground leases.
What asset classes receive target allocations?
Private equity carries a 10.8 percent target. The balance includes real estate holdings and public market exposure through the student-managed Polen Capital fund.
Where does the underlying capital originate?
Capital arrives through donations to Florida Atlantic University. No single family branch is disclosed as the source.
How is FAU Foundation related to Florida Atlantic University?
It functions as a Direct Support Organization. All activities advance university operations, scholarships, and facilities.
Does FAU Foundation maintain philanthropic structures?
The foundation itself serves as the primary philanthropic vehicle. It has received grants from the Marcus Foundation, Schmidt Family Foundation, and Stiles-Nicholson Foundation.
What investment stages does FAU Foundation target?
Strategy tags include buyout, early stage, growth, and special situations. Actual deployment mixes fund commitments with direct real estate and art assets.
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