Underdown Family Foundation

Mission The Underdown Family Foundation is a private, family foundation that was established in 1993 by Joanne and Parks C. Underdown, Jr. The Foundation exists to provide funds to nonprofit organizations that enrich and support the greater community of Hickory, NC. The Underdown Family Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations to help address community needs. In general, the Foundation prefers to focus its giving on education, health and human services and faith based organizations. The Foundation looks for organizations to maximize the Hickory, NC community and the individuals they serve. On a regional or national level, the Foundation also seeks to support research for important diseases and causes. About the Foundation Parks C. Underdown, Sr. founded Hickory Springs Manufacturing in 1944 to produce seating and coil springs for the furniture and bedding industry. Now HSM, the company has evolved into a global manufacturer of components for diversified markets including transportation, packaging, healthcare, and government. In 1993, Parks C. Underdown, Jr. began the Underdown Family Foundation, which strives to support religious or faith-based work, educational organizations, and health and human services. Today the 2nd and 3rd generations of the Underdown family continue the Foundation’s work to fund these charitable causes, primarily for the benefit of the Hickory, North Carolina community.