Black Voices. Bold Stories. Fully Funded (With Your Help).

Black N Animated is raising $30,000 to launch the BNA Artist Fellowship—A program that sponsors Black storytellers to create original, animated short films.

Whether you can give $5 or $500, your support helps us put the power back in Black creative's hands to share their stories with the world.

Donate now. Share widely. Let’s bring these films to life!

Who are we?

Black N Animated (BNA) is a community-driven nonprofit advancing Black creatives in the animation industry. We provide resources, education, and opportunities for emerging talent—while building a future where Black voices and stories are not the exception, but the standard.

This organization is run by artists, for artists.

Our leadership isn’t sitting on the sidelines—we’re filmmakers, storytellers, and designers ourselves, committed to reshaping the industry from the inside out. We know the barriers because we’ve faced them. That’s why we built BNA: to help others break through.

What Is the Black N Animated Artist Fellowship?

The BNA Artist Fellowship is a short film program created by Black N Animated to empower Black creatives in animation with real funding, mentorship, and the opportunity to share their stories loud and proud.

This fellowship will support 3 to 5 teams of Black creatives through:

💸 Production Stipends
🎓 Mentorship from Industry Professional
🧠 Workshops + Creative Development Support
🌟 A Final Film Screening to Premiere Their Work

This is more than a fellowship— its a movement for narrative equity in animation.

Why This Fellowship Matters:

Black artists are still vastly underrepresented in animation—especially when it comes to telling our own stories. Access to mentorship, funding, and industry connections is often gatekept.
We’re changing that.

By donating, you’re funding unapologetic, original Black-led storytelling and investing in the future of the animation industry—one where we write the script.

Bold, brilliant, and Black—this is the kind of talent reshaping the industry.

BNA Artist Credit (left to right): Alexis Page, Austin Faber, and Stephanie Snider

BNA has undergone a massive evolution in the past few years - our current members are pushing boundaries, blending style, storytelling, and culture in nuanced and unforgettable ways.

We’re not just nurturing talent—we’re building a creative force of some of the best young Black artists in the world.

The Gameplan:

This is just the beginning.

We’re raising funds in phases—this first round helps us launch the BNA Artist Fellowship: covering artist stipends, mentorship, and production support. Our long-term goal is to run this program annually, with sustainable funding and space to grow.

*Timeline:

Summer 2025 – Fundraising + outreach
Mid-Summer 2025 – Fellowship applications open
Fall/Winter 2025 – Teams selected
Spring/Summer 2026 – Films in production
Fall 2026 – Film screening + celebration

Every dollar now lays the foundation for a future where Black animators can create freely, be paid fairly, and tell bold, original stories.

*Dates subject to change.

What We Will Do With Your Support:

Here’s what your donations make possible at each level:

✅ $7,000

We can officially launch the program and begin outreach to our members for participation
Covers: admin setup, communications, artist application portal, and basic program coordination, stipend for one team.

✅ $10,000

We can bring on industry professionals as mentors and guest speakers, and host internal workshops.
Covers: honorariums, production costs.

✅ $20,000

We can offer production stipends to 2-3 fellow teams.
Covers: small but meaningful funding to help kickstart short film work and support artists' labor.

✅ $30,000

We unlock the full pilot fellowship, including:

Production stipends for up to 5 teams
Guest mentor sessions and workshops
A film screening in Los Angeles
Critical operational support to keep BNA running this show!

Where Your Money Goes (at $30K)

We are intentional with every dollar.

60% goes directly to the selected fellow teams and programming.

40% supports the operations and management of the BNA Fellowship Program

Fellowship Program & Artist Support — $18,000 (60%)

*Category*	*Amount*	%
Fellow Stipends (3-5 teams)	$12,500	42%
Mentor & Guest Honorariums	$3,000	10%
Film Screening Event	$2,000	6.5%
Production Tools/Software	$500	1.5%

This allocation of funds powers the heart of the program—supporting fellow teams and elevating their work.

Black N Animated Operations — $12,000 (40%)

*Category*	*Amount*	%
Stipends for 6 BNA Staffers	$9,000	30%
Publishing Coordinator (Socials Comms)	$750	2.5%
Operational Requirements (Zoom, insurance, etc.)	$1,250	4%
Processing Fees	$1,000	3.5%

This allocation of funds ensures that BNA can run the Fellowship program equitably and sustainably.

FAQ

Who is eligible for the BNA Artist Fellowship?

BNA members - professionals and students, who are Black-identifying artists (18+) based anywhere in the U.S. are eligible to apply. We welcome creatives at any stage—whether you're a seasoned pro, recent graduate, or self-taught artist—especially those who haven't yet had industry support.

Membership is free! Apply on our site here: https://www.blacknanimated.com/

How much are the fellow stipends?

If we reach our $30K crowdfunding goal, each selected team will receive $3,000–$4,000 in unrestricted stipends. This could increase if we exceed our fundraising goals or receive sponsorships.

Do you have to be in Los Angeles to do this workshop?

No, this is a fully virtual workshop!

What does the fellowship provide beyond funding?

In addition to financial support, fellows will receive mentorship from working professionals, creative feedback sessions, access to industry workshops, and their films will premiere at a BNA Fellowship Showcase.

Can individuals apply, or do you need to have a team?

Both are welcome! You can apply as a solo artist or with a small team (2–4 people). But upon selection, final teams must have at least 3 BNA members, including the Director.

Do I have to be an artist to apply?

All creatives are welcome to apply. Producers, writers, 3D artists, and all are welcome to submit pitches. The BNA team is just looking for compelling stories -- and that can come from anywhere!

When does the fellowship take place?

Depending on when we reach our funding goal, the program will ideally run from Winter 2025 through Spring 2026, giving fellows several months to develop and produce their short films.

THANK YOU! WE MAKIN’ IT!

Black N Animated is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible.

Black N Animated Artist Fellowship

We Makin' It!!