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

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

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.

In establishing the Foundation, the Regnerys hit upon a bold concept to make it self-renewing and truly responsive to the needs of the Joanna community. The Foundation would own the company store, and any profits would fund community improvements. Its governing board, consisting primarily of townspeople, managed the store and set priorities for the Foundation.

This concept reflects the Regnery philosophy of good management and good citizenship “to advance, by every possible means, independence, responsibility, and civic pride.”

As an early model of public/private partnership, the Joanna Foundation was the subject of a Harvard Business School case study. Strong interest in higher education, community development, and conservation of natural areas is an enduring legacy from these early days.

The Joanna Foundation today reflects the concern for community and citizenship, as well as the practical philosophy and motivational values, of the Regnery founders. The trustees continue to explore opportunities to respond to changing needs by supporting programs that emphasize collaboration and personal involvement by those whom the programs are aimed to benefit.

Trustees

Walter C. Regnery
President

Charles E. Menefee, Jr.
Treasurer

Mary Beth Greenslade

Yonge R. Jones

Eugenie F. Regnery

Patricia L. Regnery

Margaret P. Schachte
Executive Vice President

Financial
Documents

The following financial
documents may be
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available here.

Statements of
Financial Position

Current U.S.
Tax Return