Immerse Arkansas receives $600,000 matching gift fund

Immerse Arkansas received a $600,000 matching gift fund in support of the organization’s goal to build a pathway to healing for youth from crisis in the state.

“We’re thrilled to announce this opportunity to double the impact of gifts to Immerse and grateful to the benefactors whose vision made it possible,” said Tanner Mezel, president of Immerse’s Board of Directors. “For anyone interested in empowering our youth in their journeys toward healing and healthy adulthood, this is a great time to consider an investment in the resources that help transform them into overcomers.”

The benefactors, who wish to remain anonymous, have pledged $600,000 to provide a 100% match for gifts to Immerse from first-time donors in 2025.

Founded in 2010, Immerse Arkansas is a nonprofit working to disrupt cycles of trauma and poverty in Arkansas. The Little Rock nonprofit works with teenagers and young adults to overcome crisis and enter adulthood with skills for a better life.

“One of the greatest expressions of generosity is giving others the chance to participate in it,” said Eric Gilmore, founder and CEO of Immerse. “By inviting new donors to connect with our mission and helping us build funding sources in uncertain times, these donors are forming a wider, stronger circle of support around our young people. We’re deeply thankful and very excited about the potential impact of this gift as we expand to serve more youth from crisis throughout Arkansas.”

Immerse Arkansas serves people between the ages of 14 and 24, whose past trauma and challenges have created barriers to becoming independent, healthy, successful adults.