How much funding does The Better Angels/Lavine Fellowship provide?

The listing does not state a funding amount. Check the funder's announcement for specifics.

When is the deadline for The Better Angels/Lavine Fellowship?

The funder has not published a deadline for this grant.

How often is The Better Angels/Lavine Fellowship offered?

The Better Angels/Lavine Fellowship runs on an annual cycle.

The Better Angels/Lavine Fellowship

The Better Angels Society Inc

Foundation Annual Grants for Arts Humanities Grants History Grants

Funding Amount

Not stated

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Tracked since: April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Overview

Award Type: Mentorship program for documentary filmmakers

Purpose: A mentorship program for history documentary filmmakers whose work explores inclusive stories drawn from America's past. Fellows receive mentorship, advice, and networking opportunities from industry professionals.

Established: 2020

Program Structure:

Five filmmakers selected annually (beginning November 2020)
Candidates must submit films to the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film
Demonstrate significant potential in documentary filmmaking

What's Included:

Expert mentorship from industry professionals
Advice on filmmaking craft
Networking opportunities
Support for both Prize submissions and overall craft development

Mentor Panel Members:

Salimah El-Amin (documentary film producer/archival expert, Florentine Films and Skiff Mountain Films)
Melissa Haizlip (documentary filmmaker, 2019 Prize finalist)
Helen Huang (former Senior Director of Acquisitions, Showtime Networks)
Ray Costa (publicist, Owner/Founder Costa Communications)
Connie White (Owner/Founder, Balcony Booking)
Ron Yerxa (independent and documentary film producer)
Zak Kilberg (producer and film distribution expert)

Funding Partner:

Crimson Lion/Lavine Family Foundation (Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine)

Connection to Main Prize:

Element of the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film
Supports filmmakers submitting to the annual Prize

Inaugural Fellows (2020):

Gregory S. Cooke (INVISIBLE WARRIORS: AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN WORLD WAR II)
Joy Elaine Davenport (FANNIE LOU HAMER'S AMERICA)
Diallo Javonne (FRENCH KANSAS CITY DREAMIN')
Geoff O'Gara (HOME FROM SCHOOL: THE CHILDREN OF CARLISLE)
Peter von Puttkamer (SOUL SISTERS)

Contact:

The Better Angels Society
5185 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 570
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: 202-809-9976
Website: thebetterangelssociety.org

What The Better Angels Society Inc actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 9
Total given: $9.13M
Median grant: $40K
Range: $9,398–$8.63M

By dollars: Virginia 95%, Illinois 2%, Massachusetts 2%. Top recipient cities: New York, NY; Arlington, VA; Springfield, IL.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

Example grants

Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications Association Inc · Arlington, VA

Support for production of documentary films, outreach, education

$8.63M
Lincoln Presidential Foundation · Springfield, IL

Recognition awards for student documentary films

$188K
WGBH Educational Foundation · Boston, MA

Support for production of documentary films, outreach, education

$140K
Wnet · New York, NY

Support for production of documentary films, outreach, education

$65K
National History Day · College Park, MD

Recognition awards for student documentary films

$40K