Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute was founded in 1887 by Charles Pratt, whose fortune originated in oil refining through Astral Oil Works. The endowment vehicle operates as the primary capital pool for the private university focused on art, design, architecture, and information studies. The endowment deploys across private equity and venture capital as a limited partner, distressed debt, and natural resources. Confirmed holdings include a private equity and venture capital portfolio held through the Pratt Institute Endowment. Geographic exposure centers on North America with additional real asset ownership in New York state. The portfolio also maintains direct positions in campus properties and a sculpture collection featuring works by Mark di Suvero and Santiago Calatrava. The institution employs 1,200 faculty and staff. It operates additional sites including the Pratt Manhattan Center and Pratt Munson College of Art and Design. Adjacent philanthropic vehicles include the David & June Kim Foundation and The Scherman Foundation. Service providers include Clearbrook Global Advisors as investment advisor since 2016. Governance rests with a board that includes multiple descendants of founder Charles Pratt alongside external trustees such as Gary S. Hattem, creating a hybrid family and professional oversight model distinct from typical university endowments.