About Us

Release Foundation was created by people who understand the challenges of addiction and recovery. Founded by Zac Clark and Matthew Rinklin, our mission is simple: remove financial barriers and give people a real chance at long-term sobriety.

The Release Foundation scholarship model enables rapid placement into treatment, a clear financial plan, and a roadmap to career readiness. We offer dedicated funds for at-risk communities, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, Black and Indigenous People of Color, women, youth and young adults, and veterans.

Where We Started

In 2019, Founding Board Members Zac Clark and Matt Rinklin saw a clear need: too many people were unable to access treatment due to financial barriers. They established the Release Foundation and began planning its first event for April 2020—just as the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down.

Later that year, Zac’s appearance on ABC’s The Bachelorette expanded the Foundation’s visibility. With a newly formed board and a simple t-shirt fundraiser, the organization raised an unexpected $85,000—enough to begin supporting individuals in need.

Over the past five years, the Release Foundation has grown while staying true to its mission of expanding access to treatment and building community. More than 500 runners have completed marathons on our behalf, and along with our annual May Gala and donor support, have helped send over 300 people to treatment.

To date, we have awarded more than $4 million in scholarships, leading to hundreds of stories of recovery and transformation.

Our work is just beginning. We remain committed to building an enduring institution that continues to create access, hope, and healing for years to come.