The Greener Institute

The Greener Institute was founded in 2013 by Dr. Bruce K. Cole, who, at the time, served as a faculty member at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Cole’s vision is to create partnerships between the African American, academic, and private business communities of South Carolina to move the Black social and economic agenda forward in measurable ways. This vision is founded on the expectation that by measuring the status of the African American community against historical benchmarks, progress can be made toward the elimination of chronic disparities in income, wealth, health, incarceration, and the degree of participation in the American Dream.

The Institute is a regional think tank with research and programs focused on the economic progress of African Americans in South Carolina. Environmental justice and health disparities are the other two key focus areas, especially as they relate to African Americans in South Carolina (SC). The 26 Superfund sites with serious human health and environmental implications here have been included on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Priorities List. Of South Carolina’s 1.36 million Black citizens, 55.9% live in Superfund host
census tracts.

As an approved 501(c)3, non-profit entity, the Greener Institute’s funding sources include individuals, public and private institutions and government grants. All funding supports its community-based research agenda and helps the Institute deliver its community outreach programs. The primary source of funding is from memberships and gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. In addition, the Institute pursues opportunities for sponsored research in its areas of interest.