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The Lef Foundation
Everything below comes from the foundation’s Form 990-PF (tax period ending 2025-06-30) — the public filing where a foundation that accepts applications must state who to contact, how to apply, its deadlines, and its restrictions. Free to read, always.
Who is eligible
Restrictions are quoted from the filing’s own words. A foundation’s mailing address doesn’t always decide who’s eligible — the restriction text above does.
How to apply
Application contact
- Genevieve Carmel
- PO BOX 382066 · Cambridge, MA, 02238
- Phone: (617) 492-5333
- Email: gen@lef-foundation.org
Deadline
The deadline on file (January 20, 2025) has passed. The foundation may run another cycle — confirm directly using the contact above.
We don’t sell application coaching against a deadline that has passed — that would be taking money for something you may not be able to use. If the foundation confirms a new cycle, come back and we’ll be here.
The Lef Foundation — frequently asked
Who is eligible for The Lef Foundation?
The foundation's filing states: "See 2b above" Always confirm current eligibility with the foundation before applying.
What is the deadline for The Lef Foundation?
The deadline on file, January 20, 2025, has passed. The foundation may run another cycle — confirm directly using the contact on this page.
How do I apply to The Lef Foundation?
From the filing: "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 personnel (director and/or producer) must reside in new england. Projects with directors or producers enrolled in high school, undergraduate or master's degree prpgra,s at the time of application are ineligible. Multi-channel or installation work will not be considered. Applicants are no longer required to have a fiscal sponsor." Applications go to the contact listed on this page in Cambridge, MA.
Can you write my application for me?
No — and that is the point. Our $199 coaching builds an application blueprint from what this kind of committee reviews, sends prompts that pull your strongest material out of you, and a real person reviews your finished draft with margin notes. Every word you submit is your own.
Where this information comes from
Every fact on this page is published from the foundation’s own IRS Form 990-PF for the tax period ending 2025-06-30 (EIN 680070194). Part XV of that form is where a private foundation that accepts unsolicited applications must tell the IRS — and the public — who to send applications to, what to include, any deadlines, and any restrictions on awards. Most of these programs are never listed on scholarship search sites; the filing is often the only public record they exist.