The James F. Byrnes Foundation
Established in 1948, the Foundation is financed from the proceeds of Mr. Byrnes'
books, Speaking Frankly and All In One Lifetime,
as well as contributions from friends and admirers of Mr. and Mrs.
Byrnes. Also, the Foundation completed a five-year Living Memorial
campaign in 1995 in which former scholarship recipients contributed
$250,000 for use towards scholarships.
Judge Donald S. Russell, a longtime friend and professional associate
of Mr. Byrnes, was named the first trustee of the Foundation. Miss
Cassie Connor, Mr. Byrnes' executive secretary for much of his
political career, succeeded Judge Russell.
The purpose of the Foundation is to assist students with the financing
of a college education. In order to
qualify as a candidate for a Byrnes Scholarship, however, the student
must have lost either one or both parents and be a resident of South
Carolina.
In 1968 the Foundation was incorporated as a nonprofit organization
with three directors: Miss Connor, G. Richard Shafto, and R. Alex McCullough.
Since that time, several distinguished South Carolinians have served
on the board, including Robert L. Sumwalt, Sr., W.D. Workman, Jr. and
General William C. Westmoreland.
The Foundation will be forever indebted to J. Richard Shafto and W.D
Workman, Jr. for the leadership they provided during the years of transition
after the death of Mr. Byrnes.
Activities of the Foundation today are under the direction of a Board of Directors comprised entirely of Byrnes Scholars
In 1964 a separate voluntary organization, The Byrnes Scholars, was formed by recipients
of Byrnes Foundation Scholarships. It functions as a supporting arm
to the Foundation.
More than 1,000 James F. Byrnes Scholarships have been awarded since
1949 -- young men and women who constitute a
living memorial to "Mom" and "Pop" Byrnes.
There are usually 40 Byrnes Scholars attending the college of their
choice during a given school year. The annual stipend now stands at
$4,500.
While Governor and Mrs. Byrnes were living, they strove to provide
personal attention to every Byrnes Scholar; and in their absence, the
directors of the Foundation and the executive secretary attempt to
do the same. While they realize that no person or group of people can
take the place of a lost parent, alumni and scholars like to refer
to themselves as a family.
Any qualified high school student who is interested in
applying for a Byrnes Scholarship should see his guidance counselor. Application packets are available for downlad from this website from November through January, which covers the application cycle. For more information contact the Byrnes Foundation.