About the Foundation

The Joanna Foundation was established in 1945 as an eleemosynary corporation in the State of South Carolina with broad charitable purposes. At that time, The Joanna Foundation operated primarily for the benefit of the citizens of Joanna, SC, home of Joanna Cotton Mills Company.

The founders were Mr. Walter Regnery, president of Joanna Cotton Mills Company, and Mr. William H. Regnery, president of the parent company, Joanna Western Mills of Chicago. Learn more about our history.

Our Purpose and Mission

The Foundation is “dedicated to community betterment … promoting the causes of health and education, and other worthwhile improvements.”

Our purpose is to support organizations and programs that strengthen community capacity and enhance individual involvement in achieving a better quality of life. The primary beneficiaries are residents of the following areas in South Carolina: Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties as well as the communities of Newberry and Joanna, SC.

Counties we support in South Carolina

Our Calendar

The Joanna Foundation has three funding cycles per year. A Letter of Intent (LOI) is required and may be submitted only during specific windows of time. The windows open at midnight on the first day of January, May and September respectively, and remain open until 5 PM on the 15th of the respective months UNLESS the maximum number of eligible applications is received prior to that date—in which case the window will close early. LOls must be submitted electronically via email to The Joanna Foundation and must use the LOI Form provided by The Joanna Foundation.

Please read the Application guidelines and download the Letter of Intent Form at this link and review the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.