The McLain 8 Strands Foundation US

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
• Success Rate: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Variable (trustee discretion)
• Geographic Focus: United States (with international capacity)

Contact Details

• Location: Tarrytown, NY
• Website: Not available
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Not publicly listed

Overview

The McLain 8 Strands Foundation US is a private independent foundation established in 2011 by Hardy McLain, co-founder of CVC Capital Partners. Operating as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, this family foundation represents the US arm of a multigenerational grant-giving entity designed to support charitable causes at the trustees' discretion. The foundation maintains significant assets and income compared to other New York nonprofits, though specific financial details are not publicly disclosed. With broad charitable objects allowing trustees complete flexibility in grant-making decisions, the foundation supports diverse causes ranging from health and education to international development and religious organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee discretion without publicly advertised grant programs. Grants are made to support charitable projects and organizations with varying sizes and durations based on trustee decisions.

Priority Areas

Based on available records, the foundation has shown interest in:

• Alzheimer's Disease and dementia research
• Autism support and services
• Education initiatives
• Health and medical support services
• Human services programs
• Independent living for people with disabilities
• International development
• Disaster relief
• Religious organizations (Catholic, Lutheran, Protestant)
• Support for low-income populations
• Zoos and conservation

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly disclosed

Governance and Leadership

President: Bruce H. McLain

Trustees:

• Bruce Hardy McLain
• Helle Elisabeth Skov McLain
• Ian Terry

The foundation was established by Hardy McLain, former co-founder and managing partner of CVC Capital Partners, who retired from the firm in 2012. The foundation operates as a family foundation intended to function as a multigenerational grant-giving entity.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on their own identification of charitable opportunities and relationships within their networks.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - decisions are made at trustee discretion without a public timeline

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept public applications

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable

Application Success Factors

As a private family foundation operating through trustee discretion, traditional application success factors do not apply. The foundation identifies and selects grant recipients through:

• Trustee knowledge of charitable organizations
• Existing relationships and networks
• Direct identification of charitable needs
• Strategic alignment with trustee interests in the areas listed above

Organizations seeking support would need to establish relationships with the trustees or be identified through their networks rather than through a formal application process.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a private family foundation without a public application process
• Grants are made entirely at trustee discretion
• The foundation has broad charitable objects allowing flexibility in funding decisions
• Strong connections to the UK through related charitable entities
• Significant resources available based on foundation classifications
• Organizations cannot apply directly but may be identified through trustee networks
• Review Form 990-PF filings for insights into actual grants made and potential contact information

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The McLain 8 Strands Foundation US (EIN: 980685900). Accessed March 2026.
• Nonprofit Locator - Organization Profile for The McLain 8 Strands Foundation US. https://nonprofitlocator.org/organizations/ny/tarrytown/980685900-the-mclain-8-strands-foundation-us. Accessed March 2026.
• UK Charity Commission Register - The McLain Foundation Limited (Charity Number: 1140653). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5014950. Accessed March 2026.
• CVC Capital Partners Press Release - "Retirement of Hardy McLain, Co-Founder and Managing Partner" (December 2012). https://www.cvc.com/media/news/2012/2012-12-11-retirement-of-hardy-mclain-co-founder-and-managing-partner/. Accessed March 2026.
• IRS Tax Exempt Organization database records for EIN 980685900. Accessed March 2026.