Steve Grant awarded the Order of the Palmetto
January 7, 2026
The Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, has been bestowed on Steve Grant by the Honorable Governor Henry McMaster. Grant has been in the financial services industry in the Upstate for more than 40 years and is a graduate of Furman University. Grant’s lifelong dedication to advocacy, prevention, and saving lives exemplifies the spirit of this prestigious honor, which recognizes individuals whose service, leadership, and compassion reflect the highest values of the state.
Steve Grant founded Chris and Kelly’s HOPE Foundation in 2012. It was established as a donor-advised fund through the Community Foundation of Greenville. What began as a father’s tribute to his sons quickly grew into an impactful organization dedicated to providing financial support to programs treating teens and young adults battling substance abuse and addiction. Over the past decade, Chris and Kelly’s HOPE has supported more than 250 organizations and individuals, raising more than $800,000; invested in adolescent brain science research at Duke University; funded peer programs at The Family Effect and FAVOR (Faces and Voices of Recovery); provided direct assistance to individuals seeking treatment; and launched numerous community education initiatives, including the Campus Collegiate Recovery Program at the College of Charleston.
As Bob Morris, president of the Community Foundation of Greenville, noted, “His personal commitment and impact in the areas of substance abuse and recovery are remarkable.”
Among the foundation’s most significant achievements is the creation of Chris and Kelly’s HOPE Fitness Park on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a collaborative project involving the Children’s Hospital, Greenville County Recreation Commission, and The Phoenix Center. Major contributors included the Bank of Travelers Rest and T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc. This innovative community resource, completed in two phases beginning in 2013, stands as a physical testament to Grant’s commitment to creating positive community spaces that promote healing and well-being. Beyond physical infrastructure, Grant’s impact extends to individual lives, as testified by Wilson McKain, who received financial assistance from the foundation for his first month of treatment at a recovery community.
In McKain’s own powerful words: “Without that, I could not have gone, and I wouldn’t be where I am today. I met at least 10 other people at the facility whom he had helped. Without this support, some of them might be dead. This help goes further than many realize, beyond what meets the eye.”
In 2020, Grant further expanded his reach by publishing “Don’t Forget Me: A Lifeline of HOPE for Those Touched by Substance Abuse and Addiction,” co-written with counselor and addiction specialist James E. Campbell. This intensely personal work serves as both a memoir recounting significant moments in Grant’s sons’ lives and a practical guide for families navigating similar challenges. The book has received notable praise, with John O’Leary describing it as “An amazing, tragic and redemptive story that needed to be shared,” and Judge Michael A. Corriero highlighting its offering of “Hope and priceless counsel from someone who has walked that difficult road.” Through this publication, Grant transformed his most painful experiences into a resource offering hope and guidance to those facing similar struggles.
Grant’s dedication to service extends well beyond his foundation work. He has served on multiple boards, including:
- Furman University Legacy Society – Present
- Greenville Estate Planning Council – Board Member, 2020-2025
- Greenville Mental Health Association – Board Member, 10 Years
- Gateway House – Board Member, 24 Years (3x President of the Board)
- The Family Effect – Emeritus Board Member, 12 Years
- Center for Drug & Alcohol Programs (CDAP), Medical University of Charleston, Board Member, 10 Years
A private awards ceremony and reception are scheduled for January 8, 2026.
About the Order of the Palmetto
Established by S.C. Governor John C. West in 1971, the award is presented in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions on a national or statewide scale. The Order of the Palmetto recognizes individuals who have selflessly given of their time, resources and goodwill through a variety of different causes and pursuits to the benefit of their neighbors, fellow citizens and the fabric and prosperity of South Carolina.
About Chris and Kelly’s HOPE Foundation
The Chris and Kelly’s HOPE Foundation operates under the auspices of the Community Foundation of Greenville; however, the foundation is committed to assisting worthwhile organizations nationwide. By supporting quality treatment programs, contributions not only help save lives but also heal whole families and communities. Every teen or young adult who finds recovery is someone’s daughter or son, sister or brother, niece or nephew, neighbor, cousin, teammate, or friend.
About Steve Grant
Steve Grant has been in the financial services business since 1982. He was born in New York City and raised in Paramus, New Jersey. In high school, he was captain of both the baseball and basketball teams. Grant is a 1980 graduate of Furman University, where he attended on a partial baseball scholarship and served as baseball captain in his junior and senior years. He started the baseball team at St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1994 and volunteered as head coach for 12 years. He resides in Greenville, S.C. with his wife Cathy.
