History & Impact

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.