[Sundance Institute](https://www.sundance.org)

Rolling (various programs)

Varies by initiative; past grants and direct artist support programs are typically project-based and may include intensive participation, mentorship, and financial awards.

Supports diverse storytellers and audiences through direct artist support, research, and community access initiatives to foster inclusion in independent storytelling.

--- ## Description The Equity, Impact, and Belonging Program at the Sundance Institute is a broad, ongoing initiative aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion across all Institute programs. It supports storytellers and audiences from a wide range of backgrounds—across ethnicities, genders, abilities, sexual orientations, and geographic regions—through direct artist support (such as grants and intensives), research, and community access programs. The initiative also provides mentorship, networking, and field research to address barriers faced by underrepresented groups in independent film and storytelling. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis across various programs and initiatives. - Specific labs, intensives, and grant opportunities may have their own deadlines, announced periodically on the [program page](https://www.sundance.org/programs/equity-impact-belonging/). --- ## Funding Amount - Funding varies by program and initiative. - Direct artist support may include project-based grants, participation in intensives, mentorship, and community-building activities. - Example: Past programs like the Trans Possibilities Intensive and Uprise Grant have provided financial awards and multi-day intensives for selected artists. - The Sundance Institute overall distributes more than $3 million in grants annually, but amounts for each Equity, Impact, and Belonging initiative are not specified in advance. --- ## Eligibility - Open to storytellers and artists from underrepresented backgrounds, including (but not limited to) BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and geographically diverse communities. - Specific eligibility criteria may vary by sub-program (e.g., Trans Possibilities Intensive is for emerging transgender storytellers of color). - Both individuals and organizations may be eligible, depending on the focus of the program. - Researchers and artists interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion in media are encouraged to apply or participate. --- ## Application Process - Visit the [Equity, Impact, and Belonging program page](https://www.sundance.org/programs/equity-impact-belonging/) for current opportunities and application instructions. - Application requirements, deadlines, and selection criteria vary by initiative (e.g., labs, intensives, grants). - Some programs may require project proposals, artist statements, or portfolio materials. - Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the program page for announcements and updates. --- ## Additional Information - The program also conducts and supports field research on diversity and inclusion in independent film, such as demographic studies and analyses of barriers for women and underrepresented filmmakers. - Community Access initiatives provide free or discounted access to the Sundance Film Festival for partner organizations and their communities. - Past programs include the Uprise Grant for BIPOC artists, Accessible Futures Intensive, and research collaborations with academic partners. --- ## External Links - [Equity, Impact, and Belonging Program Overview](https://www.sundance.org/programs/equity-impact-belonging/) - [Trans Possibilities Intensive (Recent Announcement)](https://www.sundance.org/blogs/2025-sundance-institute-trans-possibilities-intensive-announced-2/) - [Past Uprise Grant Recipients](https://www.sundance.org/blogs/sundance-institute-selects-2022-uprise-grant-recipients/) - [Sundance Institute Main Site](https://www.sundance.org) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-----------------|----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [institute@sundance.org](mailto:institute@sundance.org) | | Press Inclusion Initiative | [press@sundance.org](mailto:press@sundance.org) | | Support/Contact Form | [Sundance Institute Contact Page](https://www.sundance.org/support) |

Equity, Impact, and Belonging

Sign in to see full grant listing