Leadership for Life was born out of the Luis Palau Heartland Festival that drew over 100,000 people in Omaha together in July, 2007. From that experience, business and not-for-profit leaders sought a way to continue building on the ecumenical spirit and respect of differing cultures, races, and faith traditions to effect change in the local community and beyond.

Leadership for Life was incorporated as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization in January 2008. It is overseen by an ecumenical Board of Directors.