Founded by Ben Affleck, the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI) is the first U.S. based advocacy and grant-making initiative wholly focused on working with and for the people of eastern Congo. They envision an eastern Congo vibrant with abundant opportunities for economic and social development, where a robust civil society can flourish. ECI believes that local, community-based approaches are essential to creating a sustainable and successful society in eastern Congo.

They believe public and private partnerships, combined with advocacy that drives increased attention and public policy change, will create new opportunities for the people of eastern Congo.

To achieve this vision they will be advocates with and on behalf of the people of eastern Congo to:

• - Increase the quantity and quality of public and private funding that supports the communities and citizens of eastern Congo, providing local organizations and leaders with the necessary resources to heal and sustain their communities 
• - Raise public awareness about the tremendous need in the region through highly targeted media and advocacy activities 
• - Drive policy change that increases United States government engagement in Congo

What They Believe

A fundamental lack of good governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is preventing the development of a civil society that will lift the Congolese people out of the cycle of poverty. ECI believes that by addressing reform of the security sector, the health of mothers and children, and creation of constructive economic opportunity they overcome the barriers to good governance and pave the way for progress in DRC.

Grant Making

Eastern Congo Initiative supports Congolese organizations through direct grants to support local solutions for:

• - Survivors of rape and sexual violence, including counseling, health, education, legal support, and income generation projects.
• - Vulnerable children through health, education, and income generation projects as well as returning and reintegrating former child soldiers into their communities.
• - Community-level peace and reconciliation programs, particularly those that shine a light on human rights atrocities and reduce impunity.