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The James F. Byrnes Foundation

Speaking Frankly book cover

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 sa 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 $5,000.

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.

2024 Application Process Closed

The application process for 2024 is closed. Scholarship announcements will be posted to the website in early June. The application for 2025 will be available December 2024. Please check back then.

Donate To The Foundation

In return for their generosity and support, Mom and Pop Byrnes asked only two things from us: become the very best people we could become in life, and make sure their legacy of family continues for those who come after us.

Please consider making a tax deductible contribution to the James F. Byrnes Foundation to secure its ability to invite more deserving young women and men to join the Byrnes family, both now and in the future. The Donate button will take you to the Paypal site where you can use your credit card or Paypal account to make a secure, one-time donation or set up a monthly recurring donation.

Join the Maude's Angels Network

Maude’s Angels is family helping family. It is a network of former Scholars who assist a current Scholar or Alumnus with a need for an item or service.

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© 1998-2024 Byrnes Scholars. All Rights Reserved.
The James F. Byrnes Foundation
Post Office Box 6781
Columbia, SC 29260-6781
Tel.: (803) 254-9325