For 16 years, the Greenville-based Institute for Child Success (ICS) has worked behind the scenes to improve the lives of young children and families, helping shape research, programs and policies that strengthen communities across South Carolina and beyond.
Launched in 2010 through a partnership between Prisma Health Children’s Hospital and United Way of Greenville County, ICS was founded on a simple but ambitious idea: children thrive when the systems surrounding them do.
Rather than focusing on a single program or service, the organization collaborates with policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, community organizations and business leaders to develop lasting solutions for children from the prenatal stage through age 8.
Today, ICS remains headquartered in Greenville while its work continues to influence communities across both the state and the nation. Its mission centers on advancing research-driven, equity-focused policies and practices that create stronger outcomes for children and families.
That approach has translated into measurable impact. Since its founding, ICS has helped catalyze at least $1.5 billion in funding across South Carolina while supporting innovative financing strategies expected to generate an additional $25 million for communities through 2030.
Its policy research has reached approximately 185,000 children, and more than 640 child advocates have moved forward policies supporting South Carolina’s children and families.
The organization also provides program development and evaluation support for early childhood initiatives, develops financial solutions for governments at both the state and local level and for nonprofit organizations, creating tools that help strengthen the early childhood workforce through better measurement and data practices.
Celebrating Sweet 16
This year marks a significant milestone as ICS celebrates its 16th anniversary with its “Sweet 16” campaign, recognizing more than a decade and a half of collaboration and innovation while looking toward the future of early childhood advocacy.
As part of the celebration, ICS will host its Sweet 16 Gala on Sept. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Poinsett Club in downtown Greenville. The event will celebrate the organization’s accomplishments while raising support for its Innovation Fund, which helps ICS respond to emerging challenges facing children and families and continue developing new solutions for the years ahead.
Community members are invited to attend the gala and learn more about the organization’s work. Registration is available online, and additional information about the Sweet 16 campaign and Innovation Fund can be found through the Institute for Child Success.
