# Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation

Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation is an Endowment / Foundation based in Monterey, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Monterey, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
- **Founded:** 1978
- **Assets under management:** 505 (Altss estimate)
- **Website:** montereybayaquarium.org
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/monterey-bay-aquarium

## About

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation was founded in 1978 by David and Lucile Packard. Julie Packard, their daughter, serves as Executive Director and Vice Chair. The foundation operates the Monterey Bay Aquarium and maintains related research and education entities including the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. The foundation allocates its endowment across public equities valued at approximately $238 million, private equity funds, distressed debt, natural resources, and real estate. It holds direct positions in commercial properties in Monterey and maintains limited partner interests in Commonfund vehicles. Geographic exposure centers on the United States with additional global holdings through fund commitments. The 9.11 percent private equity allocation reflects a diversified approach to support ongoing conservation and education programs. The foundation employs 842 staff and maintains supporting organizations including Monterey Bay Aquarium Support Services. It works with service providers such as Commonfund for investments and Crowe LLP for audit and legal services. No operational events from the last 24 months appear in available records. The foundation's structure separates operating control of the aquarium from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation while sharing founding lineage and conservation priorities.

## Sectors

- Conservation
- Education

## People

- Julie Packard — Executive Director and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Tegan Acton — Chair of the Board of Trustees

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation?

Investment decisions are overseen by the Board of Trustees with Julie Packard as Executive Director. The endowment is advised by Commonfund.

### How does Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation source proprietary deal flow?

The foundation participates as a limited partner in Commonfund vehicles rather than sourcing direct deals.

### Does Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

It participates in fund commitments through Commonfund Global Equity, Private Capital, Natural Resource, and Real Estate Funds.

### How is Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation related to David and Lucile Packard Foundation?

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation provided the initial gift and remains a primary benefactor.

### What is Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation's known posture on co-investments alongside external GPs?

No direct co-investment activity is disclosed; allocations occur through fund vehicles managed by Commonfund.

## Related profiles

- [Berklee College of Music](https://altss.com/profile/berklee-college-of-music)
- [Barnard College Endowment](https://altss.com/profile/barnard-college-endowment)

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

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/monterey-bay-aquarium-foundation

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