Funder directory → Massachusetts → THE LEF FOUNDATION
Private foundation · BELMONT, MA · EIN 680070194THE LEF FOUNDATION
✓ Latest filing reports an application path
What an applicant should know first
Application path
Reported in the filing
Use the filing instructions below, then confirm the current process.
Reported deadline
PRODUCTION & POST-PRODUCTION LETTER OF INQUIRY DEADLINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025.
Historical filing information; verify directly with the foundation.
Typical reported grant
$2,000–$25,000
Median $3,750 in the latest filing.
Typical grant
$2,000–$25,000
median $3,750
Giving (latest FY)
$584,600
56 grants · FY2025
Assets
$9,649,509
gives nationally
Looking beyond THE LEF FOUNDATION?
Use this filing as a starting point, then compare application-ready foundations aligned with your cause, location, and typical request size.
How to apply — from the foundation's own filing
Application form & materials: GUIDELINES LEF INVESTS IN DOCUMENTARY FILM AND VIDEO PROJECTS THAT DEMONSTRATE EXCELLENCE IN TECHNIQUE, ORIGINALITY OF VISION AND VOICE, AND CREATIVITY IN FORM. THE STRONGEST PROPOSALS WILL BE THOSE THAT CLEARLY ARTICULATE THE WAYS IN WHICH THE PROPOSED PROJECT ALIGNS WITH THE PROGRAM'S FUNDING CRITERIA. FUNDING CRITERIA QUALITY OF CINEMATIC FORM AND TECHNIQUE ORIGINALITY OF FILMMAKER'S VOICE, VISION, AND POINT OF VIEW RESONANCE AND POWER OF THE FILM'S CORE IDEA OR STORY FEASIBILITY OF PRODUCTION. ELIGIBILITY PROJECTS MUST BE LONG FORMAT; RUNNING TIMES OF 40 MINUTES OR MORE. PRIMARY CREATIVE P
Deadlines: PRODUCTION & POST-PRODUCTION LETTER OF INQUIRY DEADLINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025.
Restrictions: SEE 2B ABOVE
Contact: GENEVIEVE CARMEL · PO BOX 382066, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02238 · 6174925333
This is historical public-record information, not a current invitation or guarantee. Confirm the process, deadline, and eligibility directly with the foundation before applying.
| Grantee | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UNIONDOCS · RIDGEWOOD, NY | FUNDS IN SUPPORT OF MILTON GUILLN'S PROJECT MY SKIN AND I AS PART OF THE FSC-LEF FELLOWSHIP | $75,000 |
| FILMMAKERS COLLABORATIVE INC · SAN FRANCISCO, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT OF FILMMAKERS | $50,000 |
| CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY INC · SHARON, MA | FUNDING FOR THE FOLLOWING:UNRESTRICTED GIFT IN SUPPORT OF CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT DOCUMENTARY, AND INDEPENDENT | $45,000 |
| POINTS NORTH INSTITUTE · CAMDEN, ME | A GRANT IN SUPPORT OF THE LEF/CIFF FELLOWSHIP | $40,000 |
| WOMEN MAKE MOVIES INC - AMANDA KOWA · NEW YORK, NY | PROGRAM SUPPORT OF AMANDA KOWALSKI'S PROJECT, "OUT IN THE MOUNTAINS (WORKING TITLE)" | $32,500 |
| COLOR CONGRESS · OAKLAND, CA | FUNDS IN SUPPORT OF COLOR CONGRESS'S WORK TO STRENGTHEN BIPOC-LED MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS (1 OF 2) | $25,000 |
| MILTON GUILLEN · CAMBRIDGE, MA | FUNDS IN SUPPORT OF MILTON GUILLEN'S PROJECT, MY SKIN AND I. | $25,000 |
| WATERSHED CENTER FOR THE CERAMIC ARTS · NEWCASTLE, ME | SUPPORT OF THE WATERSHED CENTER FOR THE CERAMIC ARTS | $4,000 |
| WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN · WASHINGTON, DC | PROGRAM SUPPORT OF WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN'S RELIEF WORK IN GAZA | $3,000 |
Frequently asked about THE LEF FOUNDATION
Does THE LEF FOUNDATION accept grant applications?
Its FY2025 IRS filing does not mark giving as limited to preselected recipients and reports an application path. Filing information is historical, so confirm current eligibility directly with the foundation.
How do I apply to THE LEF FOUNDATION?
The FY2025 filing reports: GUIDELINES LEF INVESTS IN DOCUMENTARY FILM AND VIDEO PROJECTS THAT DEMONSTRATE EXCELLENCE IN TECHNIQUE, ORIGINALITY OF VISION AND VOICE, AND CREATIVITY IN FORM. THE STRONGEST PROPOSALS WILL BE THOSE THAT CLEARLY ARTICULATE THE WAYS IN WHICH THE PROPOSED PROJECT ALIGNS WITH THE PROGRAM'S FUNDING CRITERIA. FUNDING CRITERIA QUALITY OF CINEMATIC FORM AND…
What is the THE LEF FOUNDATION grant application deadline?
The FY2025 filing reports: PRODUCTION & POST-PRODUCTION LETTER OF INQUIRY DEADLINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025.
How much does THE LEF FOUNDATION typically award?
Its FY2025 filing shows a typical grant range of $2,000–$25,000 and a median grant of $3,750. These are historical reported grants, not a promised future award.
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Source: IRS Form 990-PF e-file disclosure, fiscal year 2025 (public record under 26 U.S.C. §6104). Filings lag by their nature — verify current priorities and procedures with the foundation before applying. Represent this foundation and see an error? Tell us with the correction and source filing.