Ben Affleck co-founded the Eastern Congo Initiative in 2010, which is a grant-making and advocacy organization focused on helping people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It supports local community projects and works on international advocacy.
After allegations against Harvey Weinstein gained public attention, Affleck pledged that all future residuals (i.e. payments he continues to receive) from films produced by Weinstein or Miramax (when Weinstein was involved) would go to charitable organizations. Specifically, he said he’d direct them to Film Independent and RAINN.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Affleck teamed up with Matt Damon to organize a celebrity poker tournament (“All In For America’s Charity”) where participants donated to enter. The event raised about US$1.75 million for Feeding America, a large hunger-relief network.
Affleck has been involved with The Midnight Mission, a nonprofit in Los Angeles that helps people facing homelessness, addiction, and poverty. He has donated money, raised awareness of their work, encouraged others to donate, and volunteered his time through related events (e.g. “Byte Day” which provides dental care, serving meals).
In recent years (e.g. 2024), Affleck, along with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and their children, volunteered at The Midnight Mission’s annual Thanksgiving Street Fair in Los Angeles, serving free meals to the homeless community.
