Welcome to our 25th Anniversary Celebration. For a quarter-century, Hollingsworth Funds has been dedicated to transforming Greenville into a place where everyone can advance and thrive.
Our story began with a transformational gift of land and a textile machinery company, which Hollingsworth strategically managed to build an endowment and a flourishing Greenville. This endowment has fueled systems change, investing in the core elements that allow Greenville to thrive—from a strong K-12 and post-secondary education system to workplaces that pay a living wage to a strong transportation system and affordable housing.
Join us as we reflect on 25 years of partnership, innovation, and shared success. Explore our interactive timeline, hear from the people who made this work possible, and discover our vision for the next chapter of Greenville’s growth.
John D. Hollingsworth, Jr. took over the family business, JD Hollingsworth on Wheels, upon the death of his father.
Mr. Hollingsworth received his first patent for a beater roll; the first of several patents that revolutionized the metallic card clothing process and ultimately was credited with helping to revitalize America’s textile machinery industry.
A newspaper claimed “the sun never sets over Hollingsworth, Inc.” demonstrating Mr. Hollingsworth’s transformation of the family business into one of the world’s leading manufactures of fiber-processing equipment with 5000+ employees operating in 18 countries.
Shortly after Mr. Hollingsworth’s passing on December 30, 2000, the bulk of his self-made textile and real estate fortune—valued at $275 million—was passed to Hollingsworth Funds.
Hollingsworth Funds began annual distributions of 45% to Furman University, 10% to the YMCA of Greenville County, and 45% to Greenville nonprofits.
Began providing the start of core support for Public Education Partners, who advocates for important education reform in partnership with Greenville County Schools.
The Board began selling key land parcels, including sites for CU-ICAR, The Shops at Greenridge, timber land in the low country, and ZF Transmissions, to build the endowment and generate funds for grants.
Verdae Development Inc. is established as a subsidiary of Hollingsworth Funds to oversee the real estate portfolio.
Furman University began using a portion of its annual gift from Hollingsworth Funds to establish the Hollingsworth Scholars program, a scholarship recognizing top South Carolina students who excel in both academics and community service.
Hollingsworth Funds began investing in key cultural organizations like the Children’s Museum, as well as providing long-term support to foundational community partners like United Ministries and the Urban League.
The 1100-acre master planned community of Verdae was announced; whose proceeds support the beneficiaries of Hollingsworth Funds.
Became a founding funder of CommunityWorks Carolina, the Upstate’s first community development financial institution (CDFI) to help provide financial services to the un/under-banked in Greenville.
After a long and storied history, JD Hollingsworth on Wheels closes its doors.
Endowment surpassed $100M and $4M in annual grantmaking.
Became a founding funder of the Institute for Child Success focused on early learning policy efforts for our youngest children.
Sold land for the development of Parkside at Verdae, a 56-unit Low Income Housing Tax Credit project, serving individuals and families earning 60% of the area median income and below.
Hollingsworth Funds supported the Peace Center’s 20th anniversary capital campaign.
Invested in the Greenville Regional Workforce Collaborative, to position Greenville County for long-term economic success by developing and implementing a next-generation workforce development strategy.
Dr. Raj Chetty’s seminal research on economic mobility highlighted the challenges of getting ahead for people born into the bottom 20% of household income and influences the future of Hollingsworth Funds strategic direction.
Founded the Greenville Partnership for Philanthropy, which eventually merged with the Nonprofit Alliance to become Greater Good Greenville – a hub for research, best practice, and partnership in our sector.
Founding funder of OnTrack Greenville, a community initiative that has helped hundreds of students from Title 1 middle schools stay on track toward high school graduation.
Endowment surpassed $200M and nearly $8M in annual grantmaking.
Partnered with the City and a multi-stakeholder coalition of community leaders to identify Greenville’s housing affordability gap which eventually led to the creation of the Greenville Housing Fund.
Advocated for expungement legislation at the state level that has put hundreds of people back into the workforce, contributing to our economy.
Hosted an Urban Land Institute Advisory Panel which leads to a revised master plan for the future of Verdae.
Made a preferred equity investment in the Tribute Verdae apartment homes to ensure that 20% of the 262-unit development remains affordable at 80% AMI and below.
Advocated for a $3M increase of public funding for Greenlink to expand service hours from 7:00pm to 11:00pm, increasing access for second shift workers.
Helped launch Greenville Connects, a partnership of local businesses and nonprofits committed to expanding ridership on Greenlink.
Hollingsworth demonstrated its commitment to our community by investing in community resiliency funds for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Invested in the ASPIRE Scholars Initiative, a transformative program designed to empower and support the success of Greenville Tech’s highest-risk, highest-need students.
Advocated for a tax abatement policy to incentivize residential developers to incorporate affordable housing into market rate projects.
Donated land and easements to support the expansion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail and Legacy Connector.
Partnered with the Chamber and Greenville County Schools to accelerate Launch GVL, an initiative to connect high school students with paid work opportunities.
Partnered with #StartUpGVLto support the development and sustainability of minority small businesses and the Greenville entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Hollingsworth committed grant funds to the Community Relief Fund to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
Launched HF Housing Inc., an affiliated nonprofit housing corporation, to expand LIHTC opportunities across Greenville County – with its first investment in The Alliance, a 100-unit LIHTC project in Nicholtown.
Investing in the launch of The Greenville Housing Authority’s Moving to Work Initiative to help 1700 households find a path to financial stability.
Announced Bolden Street District, a 90-acre development along Laurens Road that promises to be a next generation destination for all of Greenville to enjoy.
Celebrated 25 years of investing in Greenville with over $140M in grants and $415M in total assets.
The support of Hollingsworth Funds enables a wide range of efforts across our campus that offer exceptional opportunities for our students and strengthen our ties to the Greenville community. We are deeply grateful for the relationship over the past 25 years that has strengthened Furman’s ability to attract top South Carolina high school students through the Hollingsworth Scholars program and enhanced the student experience through The Furman Advantage.
The gift that Hollingsworth Funds has given to the YMCA over the past 25 years is truly remarkable. Through that gift, we have expanded and upgraded our branch facilities to meet the growing needs of our Greenville community. It has also enabled us to provide financial assistance to community members most in need, ensuring that no one is ever turned away from the Y due to an inability to pay. The YMCA could not be more excited to continue such an impactful partnership for years to come.
For decades, Hollingsworth Funds has been a partner in our mission to provide access to high-quality education for every student in our community. Their commitment to investing in innovative programs has directly supported our efforts to increase achievement, reach historically high graduation rates, and prepare all students for the future workforce. We are incredibly grateful for their sustained partnership and the transformative impact they’ve had on our students, schools and community.
Hollingsworth Funds has been a partner in the City of Greenville’s growth. Their strategic investments in key projects, community initiatives, and economic development have been instrumental in transforming our city into a vibrant and thriving place to live, work, and play. Their partnerships demonstrate a commitment to our shared vision, and their impact can be seen in the cultural vitality, economic opportunity, and improved quality of life enjoyed by all our residents.
The Greenville Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering an environment where more businesses succeed and more people prosper. Hollingsworth Funds has been a crucial partner in this effort, working alongside us to build and strengthen the talent pipeline for our city’s growing economy. Their strategic investments in education and workforce development initiatives help create the conditions necessary for our community to thrive and ensure that our economic prosperity is shared by all.
Hollingsworth Funds has been a foundational partner in our drive to create a sustainable system of affordable housing in Greenville. Their support has been critical, not just through funding, but also through their collaborative approach to addressing this complex challenge. They’ve helped us build the capacity and foster the conditions necessary to ensure that people at every income level can afford to live and thrive in our community.
Mr. Hollingsworth left a tremendous gift to Greenville to help transform the future of the community he loved. While we too have transformed over time, at its core, Hollingsworth Funds is a charitable foundation with a long history of helping people get ahead and make their best life here in Greenville. Hollingsworth Funds has evolved over its first 25 years to become more than just a funder; we are a catalyst, a convener, a collaborator, and an advocate. We’re working together towards a vision of a vibrant, just, and inclusive Greenville, where equitable opportunities exist for all to advance and thrive. We believe that when those who have been left behind participate and contribute fully to the economic and cultural vibrancy of Greenville, we all benefit.
