ESC was founded in 1978 by a group of civic-minded Chicago corporate leaders who wanted opportunities for themselves and their peers to "give back" to the community. Growing out of the Chicago Community Trust's Life Options Program and with support from Chicago United and the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, these founders recognized that by engaging their vast knowledge, skills and experience they could strengthen nonprofits. As a result nonprofits would be better equipped to serve the people and communities of metropolitan Chicago.