After inspiring audiences with his genuine brand of pop music, Ari Leff (Lauv) saw an opportunity to use his voice to amplify a message of positivity and raise awareness for a cause important to him on both a personal and professional level.

Vulnerability and honesty have always been hallmark components of his lyrics and music - Lauv fans identify with Ari’s experiences of anxiety, doubt and hope that he incapsulates in his songs. As someone who struggles and lives with mental illness himself, Ari wanted to use that platform to develop a non-profit foundation devoted to raising funds and awareness around mental health and the stigma of asking for help.

In the Foundation's first year (2019), alongside Lauv's artist project, the organization raised over $150,000, with plans for an even bigger 2020.

Lauv also created, in partnership with Microsoft, a global platform for anonymous expression called My Blue Thoughts — both online and in the form of physical booths on his recent tour dates. In 2020 and beyond, the Blue Boy Foundation plans to take this initiative to the next level by partnering with other mental health non-profits and creating a direct call to action for those who may need additional support.

With his ongoing touring and streaming initiatives, Lauv’s fans have become an instrumental part of this movement around mental health. Every ticket to a Lauv show comes with a dollar donation to the Blue Boy Foundation, along with every penny from each stream, download or purchase of his song "Sad Forever.” Through these initiatives, we can all play a part in the Blue Boy Foundation’s efforts to make the world of mental health and treatment a more open and accepting place.

Blue Boy Foundation registered as a 501c3 in 2018. Our EIN is 83-2845341