The Joe C. Davis Foundation

Founded in 1976 by Joseph C. Davis Jr., the Joe C. Davis Foundation supports education, social services, and healthcare initiatives in Nashville that empower individuals to build brighter futures. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $150 million in Nashville-area nonprofits, carrying forward Mr. Davis’ commitment to helping people who are striving to improve their lives and to strengthening the community he called home.

About Joe C. Davis

Joseph Columbus Davis Jr. (1919–1989) was a lifelong Nashvillian. He rose from modest beginnings in the Great Depression to become a champion amateur athlete, decorated Naval officer in World War II, successful coal industry entrepreneur, and philanthropic benefactor. His legacy of hard work, relentless focus, cost-consciousness, and belief in the value of education and personal initiative continues through the philanthropic work of the Joe C. Davis Foundation. Read more about Joe C. Davis.