Founded in 2010, inspired by visits to Eastern Congo by Ben Affleck, and moved by the resilience of Congolese communities despite ongoing conflict, Ben Affleck and Whitney Williams set out to create an organization that would elevate local solutions. Together, they founded Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI) as the first U.S.-based organization dedicated exclusively to supporting communities in Eastern Congo. Its mission was to transform humanitarian aid into a locally driven model by directly funding community-based organizations and advocating for greater international visibility for the region.

Eastern Congo Initiative is guided by core values such as:
Community-driven approach: ECI believes that sustainable solutions come from Congolese communities themselves.

Transparency and accountability: Every project is managed with rigor, ensuring that resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
Inclusive partnerships: ECI promotes collaboration among local, private, and public actors, including local NGOs, private companies, and public institutions.
Empowerment of women and youth: They are considered key drivers of social and economic change.
Sustainability: Each initiative is designed to create long-term impact beyond immediate aid.