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The Seeing Eye
The Seeing Eye was established in 1929 by Dorothy Harrison Eustis and Morris Frank. It functions as a nonprofit that breeds, raises, and trains guide dogs...
The Seeing Eye
The Seeing Eye was established in 1929 by Dorothy Harrison Eustis and Morris Frank. It functions as a nonprofit that breeds, raises, and trains guide dogs while instructing visually impaired users. The entity holds no disclosed family wealth origin and operates solely through philanthropic support and its endowment. The endowment allocates to private equity via fund-of-funds and global real estate holdings. Confirmed positions include exposure through GCM Grosvenor Private Markets Portfolio and a Global Real Estate Investment Fund. Public equity and bond mutual funds form additional components. Geographic focus remains North America with investments extending to global markets. The organization employs staff across its 60-acre main campus in Morristown and 330-acre breeding center in Chester, New Jersey. It maintains relationships with EisnerAmper as auditor and Morgan Stanley as investment advisor. A May 2024 annual luncheon recognized major donors. The endowment covers all administrative costs. Governance rests with a board of trustees that includes former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean. This structure separates mission delivery from investment management through external advisors and perpetual trust interests.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1929
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Morristown
Corporate office
1 Seeing Eye Way, PO Box 375, Morristown, NJ 07960, United States
Principals
Karen E. Leies
President and CEO
Michael H. Mittelman
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at The Seeing Eye?
Karen E. Leies serves as President and CEO. External advisors including Morgan Stanley and GCM Grosvenor handle portfolio management under board oversight.
Does The Seeing Eye participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The endowment commits to private equity fund-of-funds and real estate vehicles. No direct deal program is disclosed.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
No specific family or corporate origin is disclosed. Funding derives from donations and investment returns on the endowment.
What asset classes appear in the portfolio?
Holdings include private equity, global real estate, public equities, bond mutual funds, and beneficial interests in perpetual trusts.
How is The Seeing Eye related to its endowment vehicle?
The endowment functions as the long-term investment fund of the primary entity. It covers fundraising and administrative expenses while supporting the guide dog mission.
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