Sundance Institute receives $3 million gift from Hearthland Foundation

Sundance Institute today announced a $3 million gift from The Hearthland Foundation, founded by Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg with the mission of building a more just, equitable, and connected country. One of the largest contributions in the Institute’s history, this multiyear commitment will bolster the Feature Film Program, support the return of the renowned Directors Lab to Sundance Mountain Resort, and increase fellowships and direct, unrestricted grants to independent artists.

The gift comes at a pivotal moment for Sundance Institute as it carries forward founder Robert Redford’s vision of championing independent artists and emerging voices across fiction and nonfiction feature films, episodic, and emerging media in the U.S. and around the world. The funding enables the Institute to bring its signature Directors Lab back to its historic home at Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, providing a creative sanctuary, mentorship, and vital resources to filmmakers from development through audience engagement. 

 The investment reflects The Hearthland Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting artists, storytellers, journalists, organizers, and community leaders working to create a shared future. 

 “Artists help us see what is, imagine what could be, and understand one another more fully. At Hearthland, we invest in the power of creativity and storytelling to open minds, deepen connection, and expand our sense of what is possible,” said Rachel Levin, President of Philanthropy, The Hearthland Foundation. “The Sundance Institute Directors Lab has done exactly that for generations of filmmakers, giving emerging artists the freedom to take risks, find their voices, and tell the stories only they can tell. Kate and Steven are proud to help carry that extraordinary legacy forward, and hope that this gift will encourage others to further support Sundance’s mission.” 

 “This gift is a profound vote of confidence in independent artists and in the future of Sundance Institute. As we carry Robert Redford’s vision forward, The Hearthland Foundation’s generosity ensures that the heart of our work, supporting artists at every stage of the creative process, grows stronger for years to come. We are deeply grateful to Kate, Steven and the Foundation for this extraordinary support,” said David Linde, CEO, Sundance Institute. 

 “When you give artists time, trust, and a community that believes in their voice, transformation happens. The incredibly generous support from The Hearthland Foundation will underwrite our Directors Lab returning to the Sundance Mountain Resort and provide vital artist granting, which is profoundly meaningful,” said Michelle Satter, Founding Senior Director, Artist Programs, Sundance Institute. “It will also do more than launch sustainable creative careers: Their support will champion the bold risk-taking and deep community at the heart of Sundance Institute, ensuring vital, original stories reach U.S. and global audiences.”