Palmetto Project

Palmetto Project is a nonprofit organization in North Charleston, SC. Founded in 1984 as a statewide social innovation institute, it works to improve health, social, educational, and economic outcomes across SC. The organization focuses on innovative solutions to historic and emerging issues in the Palmetto State. Its current leadership includes Aaron Polkey, who became President and CEO in May 2024, building on the legacy of Steve Skardon, who led the organization for 31 years.

The organization runs several distinct programs to support communities and families. Through Insure SC, it operates the only nonprofit health insurance brokerage and social enterprise in SC, increasing access to healthcare for residents of all 46 counties. The Families Helping Families programs provide support to students in need, families, adults with disabilities, and senior citizens in four Midlands counties and Charleston County. In partnership with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Palmetto Project serves as the nonprofit partner in seven counties, delivering story time to over 15,000 children every month by covering the cost of books and postage. Additionally, The Redirect Collective works to break cycles of community violence by training mentors of at-risk youth in Charleston County. The organization maintains its headquarters in North Charleston and operates a satellite office in Columbia, with remote staff serving the Pee Dee and Upstate regions.

The North Charleston headquarters is located at 6296 Rivers Avenue, Suite 100. It sits on Rivers Avenue, about a tenth of a mile from the North Charleston Housing Authority and the North Charleston Post Office. The site is roughly three tenths of a mile from the Charleston County Magistrate courthouse, the SC Department of Transportation office, and Turkey Creek.

Palmetto Project stands as a statewide entity with a dedicated team of licensed health insurance agents and program directors. Its work in health insurance, early literacy, and youth mentorship addresses specific, measurable needs across the state, from the Upstate to the Lowcountry.

In North Charleston, Palmetto Project combines local headquarters operations with a broad statewide mandate, providing concrete support to families and communities through its specialized programs.

Services:

• Civic Participation
• Community Engagement
• Family, Youth, & Schools
• Health