Institutional trust services
Empowering organizations that make a difference
Trusted fiduciary services for endowments, foundations, small employee benefit plans and other mission-driven institutions.
What are institutional trusts?
An institutional trust is a fiduciary arrangement where a trust company or a bank manages assets on behalf of an organization—such as a nonprofit organization, endowment or foundation—to support long-term financial goals and ensure regulatory compliance.
Overview
Trusted partners. Proven insight. Lasting impact.
Purpose-built partnership
TIAA Trust offers you a full-service team that understands the specialized requirements of endowment and foundation management.
Specialized insights for not-for-profit organizations
Our approach, our insights, and our advice are products of a profound understanding of the special needs of not-for-profit organizations.
World-class asset management
Our management of institutional assets is world class—and our purpose is deeply rooted in our parent organization’s philosophy of helping those who are committed to doing good.
Why TIAA trust services
A team dedicated to helping your organization advance its mission
TIAA Trust provides comprehensive investment management and custody services specifically designed for not-for-profit organizations. You'll partner with a dedicated team—including a Portfolio Manager and Trust Administrator—who specializes in the not-for-profit sector.
Our services include:
- Investment policy analysis
- Investment selection and monitoring
- Customized asset allocation
- Portfolio construction
- Investment reporting
- Cash management and analysis
- Portfolio management
- Custody services
- Subaccount reporting
Why TIAA trust services
Your institutional advantages—stable capital, tax benefits, and long-term horizons—unlock exclusive investment opportunities through our proven methodology.
Understand the mission and the goals
Work with board members and collaborate with your team to identify goals, challenges, and potential solutions
Develop or refine your investment policy statement
Help you define your investment priorities and risk tolerance, and advise on the creation of an investment policy statement that aligns consistently with your goals
Determine the investment approach
Research and identify suitable asset classes for your goals, vet and select necessary investment options, and model these selections to determine the optimal investment mix aligned with your organization's objectives
Build your portfolio
Implement your investment strategy using TIAA Trust’s open architecture platform, which allows a broad selection of investments and can help avoid conflicts of interest
Review progress, adjust as needed
Actively managing your portfolio through continuous performance monitoring, income tracking, and strategic rebalancing while maintaining regular communication with the board and leadership regarding progress toward goals
Our institutions
Helping organizations that make a difference in our world
With a long heritage of not-for-profit philosophy and service, we are equipped to work with these entities:
Educational
Colleges, universities, and other educational institutions
Medical
Hospitals, health and human service organizations, and medical centers
Corporate
Professional associations
Cultural
Museums, symphonies, and cultural institutions
Religious
Religious institutions and organizations
NGOs
Environmental, human rights, and animal welfare organizations
FAQ
What people ask us
What is the difference between a fiduciary and a trustee?
A trustee is always a fiduciary, but not all fiduciaries are trustees. A trustee specifically manages assets held in a trust, while a fiduciary is any person or entity legally obligated to act in the best interest of another party. Trustees have specific duties defined by a trust document, while fiduciaries can include various professionals such as financial advisors, attorneys, guardians, and executors who must prioritize their clients' interests above their own.
What services does the TIAA Trust team provide for endowments and foundations?
TIAA Trust, as a national trust bank, provides discretionary investment management services for individuals and Institutional clients including, but not limited to, universities, charities, associations, endowments, foundations, operating funds, donor advised funds, trust funds, and pension funds for non-profit organizations.
How does TIAA Trust partner with its institutional trust clients?
TIAA Trust views each client relationship as a partnership, not just a service. Our clients are assigned two primary points of contact ensuring that the administrative and investment needs are satisfied. Together they manage the day-to-day portfolio activities as well as the financial reporting and administrative responsibilities. Having a dedicated service team ensures familiarity with every detail of the relationship and organization.
Does TIAA Trust offer a full OCIO offering?
TIAA Trust’s offering is not a fully discretionary OCIO as our clients retain significant authority over determining their own spending needs, grant making, and Investment Policy Statements. However, we believe it is our duty and responsibility to provide timely market updates and to consult with boards and investment committee on issues related to spending policy, asset allocation and asset class selection, portfolio rebalancing and other aspects of the overall investment program.
Why should a nonprofit consider using TIAA Trust to manage its assets?
By choosing us you gain a trusted partner who not only manages assets with discipline and expertise, but also shares your commitment to making a lasting difference and impact. From developing and updating Investment Policy Statements to on-going performance monitoring, risk monitoring and regulatory compliance, we provide support throughout the entire process. We understand the governance, regulatory, and operational complexities that our clients face. Our transparency, reporting tools, and other resources equip boards and committees to make informed decisions and fulfill their oversight and responsibilities. Whatever your objectives, let us show you how our experience, insight and investment expertise can help now and, in the years, to come.
We’re here to help
Have questions about TIAA Institutional Trust services? Give us a call at
TIAA Trust, N.A. provides investment management, custody and trust services for a fee.
TIAA managed account services provide discretionary investment management services for a fee.
Investing involves risk and the value of your investments may gain or lose value and fluctuate over time. Investments in managed accounts should be considered in view of a larger, more diversified investment portfolio. Individuals should consult with an independent tax advisor, CPA and/or attorney for specific advice based on the individual's personal circumstances.
TIAA Trust, N.A. provides investment management, custody and trust services. Advisory services provided by Advice & Planning Services, a division of TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.
This material is for informational or educational purposes only and is not fiduciary investment advice, or a securities, investment strategy, or insurance product recommendation. This material does not consider an individual’s own objectives or circumstances which should be the basis of any investment decision.
© 2025 TIAA Trust, N.A.