Our Story

Champions for the changemakers:

Founded by Jerry and Mark (of blessed memory) of Homegrown Hospitality, Ripple is built on the belief that local changemakers should not have to grow alone. By investing in both entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders, Ripple helps create a stronger, more connected Lowcountry.

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Our Changemakers

“Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
You who choose to lead must follow”

– “Ripple” by the Grateful Dead
written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

– Mother Teresa

Our Founders

Mark Cumins and Jerry Scheer

Ripple was founded by Jerry Scheer, co-owner of the Homegrown Hospitality Group, which he started with his lifelong friend and business partner, Mark Cumins (of blessed memory) in 1985. It went on to grow over 25 restaurants with multiple concepts and is still going strong in Georgia and the Carolinas. Mark and Jerry always believed that “to give is to receive” and Ripple is a manifestation of that pervasive belief.

Today Ripple’s angel investment helps local entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses that create jobs, strengthen the local economy, and bring new energy into the community. As those businesses succeed, a portion of that success is shared forward through The Ripple Fund, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting local changemakers and meeting critical community needs.

That means Ripple’s nonprofit community is supported by the success of businesses launched through angel investment — creating a sustainable cycle where one investment launches businesses, creates jobs, and fuels lasting nonprofit impact.

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How can Ripple invest in you?

Ripple removes the financial barriers nonprofits and entrepreneurs face – providing space, resources, and mentorship in fundraising, outreach, and marketing. So you can focus on your mission – and be the change our communities need.

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Testimonials

Kind Words

Ripple empowers us to serve more of the community by way of Gullah/Geechee history, art, and tradition. Ripple has allowed us to flow more into our "why". Tenki Tenki Ripple!!

Elder Carlie Towne
Gullah Geechee Angel Network

Operating as a non profit can often feel like an isolating uphill battle. Being able to come to work everyday to an environment of support, collaboration, and a genuine desire to pour into our community completely changes attitudes and burn out rates among peers. Every day, something good happens here.

Alex English
Be A Mentor

A ripple is defined as a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water. At The Ripple Fund, the ripple has brought waves of hope to non profits. My Community's Keeper Mentor Group is grateful for the opportunity to share in this collaborative effort.

Keith Smalls
My Community’s Keeper Mentor Group

The work happening at Ripple is a true testament to teamwork and the power of togetherness. I am incredibly grateful for the connections we continue to make at Ripple and I know that the ripples of change through our interactions will continue to be felt for years to come!

Katie Stagliano
Katie’s Krops

Release Over 20 is extremely grateful for being part of the Ripple family. To have a state of the art physical meeting space at our disposal is an amazing asset and to be part of the network has been invaluable to our growth and development.

Adam Fahrar
Release Over 20

The Ripple Fund is a space that fosters community, collaboration, and innovation. Most of all, it has been a safe space where we can show up as we are without worrying about judgment, or comparison, or competition. We are very fortunate to be a part of it.

Erin Jones
Waves 4 Women