SCPIF’s main objectives are to defend South Carolina’s Constitution against violation by state and local governments; to deter their breach of state statutes, including the Freedom of Information Act of South Carolina; to ensure that tax monies are expended in compliance with the law; and in general to promote governmental adherence to the rule of law.

Since its formation in 2005 SCPIF has been a plaintiff in more than 100 lawsuits seeking to force governments and their officers to comply with their legal duties. It has prevailed in many of them, and in others it has been the direct cause of corrective legislation or changed policies and practices. SCPIF lawsuits have been instrumental in establishing and expanding the rights of citizens to sue their governments (issues of “standing”), advancing the cause of governmental transparency (“Freedom of Information”) and limiting governmental overreach. It is the only entity in this state dedicated to using the courts to constrain the actions of government.

SCPIF is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to it are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. It has no paid staff; all of its revenues go to support its litigation and educational activities.