Stephen Colbert helps fund every existing public school teacher grant request in South Carolina

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Stephen Colbert isn’t just a proud South Carolina native, he’s also a vocal supporter of the state’s public school system.

Yesterday, the comedian made a huge announcement over a live-stream broadcast at Alexander Elementary School in Greenville, South Carolina: in partnership with The Morgridge Family Foundation’s Share Fair Nation and ScanSource, he will be funding every single existing grant request made by the state’s public school teachers on the education crowdfunding site DonorsChoose.org.

The total donation to cover the nearly 1,000 projects at over 375 schools? About $800,000.

“I’m happy to say, that as a product of the South Carolina public school system…using the proceeds of the sale of my old set on The Colbert Report which we auctioned off, and with the generous matching funds from The Morgridge Family Foundation and ScanSource, DonorsChoose is going to flash-fund all 1,000 projects in South Carolina,” Colbert said as students and teachers erupted into applause.

“Enjoy your learning, South Carolina.”

The grants will fund projects ranging from new classroom supplies, books, computers, school-branded clothing, field trips and professional development for teachers.

“There are going to be some happy, happy teachers across the state,” state schools superintendent Molly Spearman told Greenville News. “This is Teacher Appreciation Week, so what a great way to say ‘thank you teachers for what you’re doing every day.’”

“We are so grateful,” Damon Qualls, a teacher who participated in the live broadcast, told NBC News. “I’m actually speechless. This is unbelievable.”

Qualms will have five projects funded through Colbert’s generosity.

To further celebrate the funding announcement, DonorsChoose and ScanSource hand-delivered gifts to some surprised teachers at Alexander Elementary School yesterday, including new books for a girls reading group.

Here’s a list of what schools in Greenville will be receiving, thanks to Colbert’s “flash-funding.”

And here’s a complete list of funded projects in the state.

“The team at Share Fair Nation and The Morgridge Family Foundation is thrilled to celebrate our South Carolina teachers and the immeasurable impact they have on the lives of students,” said Carrie Morgridge, according to a press release. “We are so proud to partner with DonorsChoose.org, Steven Colbert and ScanSource to make some dreams come true today! An investment in a teacher is an investment in our future. Join us, because every gift matters!”

Next up for Colbert: hosting CBS’ The Late Show this fall.