History

An innovative industrialist who made his fortune selling textile machinery, John D. Hollingsworth Jr. also invested in real estate. He spent 40 years amassing 42,000 acres, becoming the largest private landowner in South Carolina.

Along the way, Mr. Hollingsworth provided anonymous support to those within his adopted hometown, ultimately willing his life's savings—valued at approximately $290 million—to the charitable support organization he had founded twenty-four years before he died, Hollingsworth Funds, Inc.

Hollingsworth's bequest—comprising his entire real estate portfolio along with 100% of the stock in John D. Hollingsworth on Wheels Inc.—stipulates that all monies generated from the foundation be divided among local groups, including Furman University, Greenville YMCA and other Greenville County charities.

The conversion of Hollingsworth property to charitable dollars has not only provided the intended philanthropic support, it has also brought about significant economic development and opportunity for the Greenville area. Already, there's the Millennium Campus, the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research, the Shops at Greenridge and the 1,100-acre master planned development known as Verdae.