The Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI) is an American

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

 nonprofit organization

Nonprofit organization

Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...

 established by Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck

Benjamin Géza Affleck-Boldt , better known as Ben Affleck, is an American actor, film director, writer, and producer. He became known with his performances in Kevin Smith's films such as Mallrats and Chasing Amy...

 in 2010 as "the first U.S. based advocacy and grant-making initiative wholly focused on working with and for the people of eastern Congo". The ECI provides developmental aid

Aid agency

An aid agency is an organisation dedicated to distributing aid. Many professional aid organisations exist, both within government , between governments as multilateral donors and as private voluntary organizations...

 and international advocacy for community-building initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

History

The ECI was founded by Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck

Benjamin Géza Affleck-Boldt , better known as Ben Affleck, is an American actor, film director, writer, and producer. He became known with his performances in Kevin Smith's films such as Mallrats and Chasing Amy...

 in March 2010 after he researched the war-ravaged region's humanitarian crisis though five trips to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between 2007 and 2010. At its launch, the ECI revealed its goal to fund and raise awareness of local community-based organizations (CBOs) in the area that work towards: supporting survivors of rape and sexual violence; returning and reintegrating child soldiers into their communities; running community-level peace and reconciliation programs; increasing access to health care and education; and promoting economic opportunity. Affleck stated:

"I brought together this unique collection of partners in order to bring their experience in humanitarian relief and sustainable development to bear as we focus like never before on local solutions to challenges in this region. Right now, the attention paid to this crisis doesn't match the needs of those affected by it. We will raise that attention level, and work with the extraordinary Congolese people who are making a positive difference in their own communities."

Affiliates

Howard Graham Buffett

Howard Graham Buffett

Howard Graham Buffett is an American philanthropist, photographer, and farmer. He is the eldest son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett. He is named after Howard Buffett, his grandfather, and Benjamin Graham, Warren Buffett's teacher.-Personal life:Howard G...

, philanthropist - Founding member

Faida Mitifu, DRC Ambassador to the US - Advisory Committee member

Humanity United - Founding member

Bridgeway Foundation - Founding member

External links

• Eastern Congo Initiative, official website
• Eastern Congo, official YouTube channel