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Grey Rocks Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.7M
Grant Range
$0K - $0.6M

Grey Rocks Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,676,967 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $58,664,273 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: 92 awards (2023); 85 awards (2022)
  • Grant Range: $100 - $644,500 (historical range)
  • Geographic Focus: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Illinois (primary); also supports organizations across multiple states
  • Application Process: Does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

  • Address: 200 Clarendon Street, Floor 5, Boston, MA 02116
  • Phone: 617-574-6700
  • Website: None publicly available
  • Email: Not publicly available

Overview

Grey Rocks Foundation Inc (also known as McLane Harper Charitable Foundation) is a private family foundation established in 1986 in Massachusetts, with tax-exempt status granted in November 1988. The foundation has grown substantially from $16.2 million in assets (2011) to $58.7 million (2023), reflecting significant investment portfolio growth over the years.

The foundation was established by P. Andrews McLane and Linda Harper McLane as their primary vehicle for philanthropic giving. P. Andrews McLane is a retired Senior Advisor at TA Associates, a leading global private equity firm, where he served for 43 years in various leadership positions including Senior Managing Director and Executive Committee member. His family has deep roots in New Hampshire—his great-grandfather, John McLane, served as Governor of New Hampshire in the early 20th century.

The foundation focuses its grantmaking on arts and culture, higher education, literacy, sports and recreation (particularly rowing), and environmental conservation. Charitable disbursements typically represent 70-95% of annual expenses.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes grants across several program areas without formal named grant programs:

  • Major Gifts: Up to $644,500 (historical maximum)
  • Standard Grants: Typically range from several hundred dollars to six-figure amounts
  • Application Method: Invitation only; does not respond to unsolicited applications

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant distributions, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Rowing and Water Sports: Strong support for competitive rowing programs and organizations (e.g., United States Rowing Association - $250,000)
  • Environmental Conservation: Water quality and watershed protection (e.g., Charles River Watershed Association - $122,500)
  • Education: Private secondary and higher education institutions, particularly those with personal connections to the donors (e.g., Phillips Exeter Academy - $102,500)
  • Arts and Culture: Museums and cultural institutions, especially those related to New England heritage
  • Human Services: Various charitable organizations supporting community needs

What They Don't Fund

Based on the foundation's profile as a family foundation that does not accept unsolicited applications:

  • Unsolicited grant requests
  • Organizations without a prior relationship or connection to the McLane family network
  • Generic requests without specific project alignment

Governance and Leadership

Officers

  • President: P. Andrews McLane
  • Treasurer: Linda McLane
  • Clerk: David H. Hopfenberg

Note: All officers receive $0 compensation from the foundation.

About the Principal Donors

P. Andrews McLane brings 43 years of experience in the private equity industry. A Dartmouth College graduate (AB Psychology, 1969) and Tuck School of Business MBA (1973), he joined TA Associates in 1979 after serving as Vice President at State Street Bank. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards including the Appalachian Mountain Club, Cambridge Boat Club, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Dartmouth College, Phillips Exeter Academy, and St. Paul's School. He currently serves as Trustee and Nominating Committee Chair for the USRowing Foundation, and as Trustee and Executive Committee member of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Foundation.

Linda Harper McLane shares her husband's philanthropic interests, particularly in art collection and conservation. The McLanes assembled the preeminent private collection of White Mountain landscape art in the world—more than 300 paintings—which they donated to the New Hampshire Historical Society, marking one of the largest gifts in the organization's 202-year history.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process and does not respond to unsolicited applications for funding.

Grants are made at the discretion of the foundation's officers based on:

  • Personal knowledge of and relationships with recipient organizations
  • Board connections and involvement of the McLane family
  • Alignment with their established giving priorities

Getting on Their Radar

The McLane family has documented involvement with specific organizations and networks:

  • USRowing and Water Sports Community: Andy McLane serves as Trustee and Nominating Committee Chair for the USRowing Foundation. In 2024, the McLanes made a $3,000,000 gift to USRowing to fund the Chief High Performance Officer position. Organizations connected to the rowing community may have opportunities through these networks.

  • New England Educational Institutions: The McLanes have longstanding connections to Phillips Exeter Academy, Dartmouth College, and St. Paul's School. Organizations with ties to these institutions may have visibility.

  • Environmental and Conservation Organizations: Through their support of the Charles River Watershed Association and their donation of the Grey Rocks property to Newfound Lake Region Association, they have demonstrated commitment to environmental causes in New England.

  • Arts and Cultural Institutions: Andy McLane's board service at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and their significant art donation to the New Hampshire Historical Society indicate strong ties to the cultural sector.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly documented. As a family foundation with a small board of officers, decisions are likely made on an ongoing basis rather than through formal cycles.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and the McLane family's documented involvement:

  • Personal Connection: The foundation funds organizations where the McLanes have direct involvement or board relationships. Their giving reflects their personal passions—rowing, New England heritage, environmental conservation, and elite education.

  • Geographic Alignment: Primary focus on New Hampshire and Massachusetts, with secondary support for organizations in Illinois and other states where they have connections.

  • Track Record of Support: The foundation shows consistent support for organizations over multiple years. Recipients like the United States Rowing Association, Charles River Watershed Association, and Phillips Exeter Academy receive ongoing support.

  • Demonstrated Excellence: The McLanes support organizations at the highest levels of their fields—elite rowing programs, top-tier preparatory schools, and leading cultural institutions.

  • Environmental Stewardship: Their donation of the Grey Rocks property to Newfound Lake Region Association for permanent conservation demonstrates commitment to land and water conservation.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No unsolicited applications accepted: This foundation operates strictly through family relationships and personal networks. Cold applications will not be considered.

  • Relationship-driven giving: Focus on building authentic connections through the McLanes' network—USRowing Foundation, New England educational institutions, environmental organizations, and cultural institutions.

  • Geographic sweet spot: New Hampshire and Massachusetts organizations with water/environmental focus have strongest alignment.

  • Rowing is a major passion: The $3 million gift to USRowing demonstrates that competitive rowing programs are a top priority.

  • Long-term relationships valued: The foundation shows patterns of sustained, multi-year support to favored organizations rather than one-time grants.

  • Elite institutions preferred: Organizations should demonstrate excellence and leadership in their fields.

  • Consider indirect approaches: Engagement through the McLanes' board connections (USRowing Foundation, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, etc.) may create opportunities for visibility.

References

Information compiled December 2025 from publicly available tax filings, foundation databases, and news sources.

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