Ravenel B. Curry III donates $500,000 to Palmetto Promise Institute’s ESTF Family Rescue Fund

Palmetto Promise Institute announced a generous $500,000 donation from South Carolina native Ravenel B. Curry III to the ESTF Families Rescue Fund, a fund established to support families impacted by the recent SC Supreme Court decision regarding the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program. This additional substantial gift brings the Institute halfway to its goal of securing the funds needed to cover third-quarter payments for the 2024-2025 school year and sustaining the education of South Carolina students whose futures depend on this vital program. (Palmetto Promise announced a gift of $900,000 from Pennsylvanian businessman and philanthropist Jeff Yass on October 17.)

Ravenel B. Curry III, a businessman and philanthropist from Greenwood, South Carolina, graduated from Furman University. Known for his deep commitment to supporting initiatives that promote education, opportunity, and economic development, Curry’s gift represents a significant investment in the future of South Carolina’s children. His dedication to preserving school choice options underscores his belief in empowering families and communities through expanded educational opportunities.

“We are honored and profoundly grateful for Ravenel Curry’s generous gift,” said Wendy Damron, President & CEO, Palmetto Promise Institute. “As a native South Carolinian, he understands the importance of this moment for South Carolina families and the essential role school choice plays in ensuring every child has access to quality education. His investment in these families is a powerful statement about the value of school choice and the need to support it.”

The ESTF Families Rescue Fund was created in response to the recent Eidson SC Supreme Court decision that ruled against the state’s ESA program, leaving many families at risk of losing access to their chosen schools. Thanks to the support of donors like Curry, the Fund aims to provide critical assistance to ensure families and schools can continue to benefit from school choice until a long-term solution is secured.

“This contribution is not just a gift to these families,” said Damron. “It’s an investment in the long-term health of South Carolina’s school choice movement and a powerful example of the impact individuals can make to keep this issue at the forefront of public policy.”

Palmetto Promise Institute invites others who are passionate about educational opportunity to join Curry in supporting the ESTF Families Rescue Fund so that South Carolina’s students can continue to thrive and so that families have the freedom to choose the best educational options for their children.  One hundred percent of donations received will go to pay ESTF families’ school tuition. To donate, please visit palmettopromise.org/donate and designate the donation for the ESTF Families Rescue Fund. Palmetto Promise is grateful for all who have already contributed to this important cause.

For more information on the ESTF Families Rescue Fund or to contribute, please contact [email protected].

About Palmetto Promise Institue

Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational organization. Founded in 2013, Palmetto Promise Institute champions free-market policies across five key areas: Education, Fiscal Policy, Healthcare, Energy, and Quality of Life. The Institute’s mission is to promote policies that enable every South Carolinian to thrive and reach their full potential.