Justin Baldoni's philanthropic arm of Wayfarer Studios, the Wayfarer Foundation, announced it's shuttering, although the reasons are currently unknown Launched in 2016, the nonprofit organization's mission is to "advance humankind spiritually towards a future peaceful world civilization" The foundation's closing comes amid Baldoni and Blake Lively's ongoing legal battle, with their case set to go trial in March 2026. Justin Baldoni's Wayfarer Foundation is shutting down for undisclosed reasons. This comes amid the director and actor's ongoing legal battle with It Ends with Us costar Blake Lively.
Co-founded by Baldoni, 41, and his studio partner Steve Sarowitz, 60, in 2021, the foundation has served as the philanthropic branch of Baldoni's Wayfarer Studios. The Baha’i-inspired organization's mission is to "advance humankind spiritually towards a future peaceful world civilization," according to its website. The foundation shared news of its closing on Instagram with a statement from Sarowitz saying, "I am so incredibly proud of the impact this organization has made and deeply grateful for our staff, board, donors and partners."
"Upon unanimous decision of the board of directors, today we will begin the process of sunsetting the Foundation," the statement continued. "We will honor all of our current grant commitments as we carefully wind down operations over the next several weeks. Although the Wayfarer Foundation is closing, my personal commitment to giving remains strong, and I’m dedicated to making an impact on society through the ongoing mission and work."
"We understand that this news may come as a surprise, and we will be actively working over the next several weeks to ensure all matters are concluded with care and attention," Sarowitz added. Justin Baldoni. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
One of the most noteworthy programs the foundation has aided is Los Angeles' Skid Row Carnival of Love, which was launched by Baldoni in 2015 and provided donations and services to thousands of people without housing or people without homes. The most recent event was held in 2020. "We have an entire city of people sleeping on the street, one of the worst man-made disasters in our country," Baldoni said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2019 while discussing the carnival.
"We have too many people who are isolated and being left behind by society. But what’s been so amazing is finding that there are so many people in our cities who sincerely want to connect and give back." Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in 'It Ends With Us'.
Sony Baldoni has been embroiled in a legal back-and-forth with Lively, 37, over events that unfolded during the filming of their 2024 summer blockbuster It Ends with Us. The Colleen Hoover adaptation released in August 2024. In December 2024, Lively sued Baldoni alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign.
Among others named in the suit were Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios, a production company associated with the foundation. Baldoni denied the allegations and countersued Lively, Reynolds, and others such as their publicist Leslie Sloane and Sloane's PR firm Vision PR, Inc., for $400 million, alleging civil extortion, defamation and more. Lively and Baldoni's case is currently set to go to trial in March 2026.
