Spotlight on Hope
The Utah Nonprofit Film Festival is an inspiring celebration of community, service, and possibility.
At its heart is a simple belief: that Hope is not passive—it’s a call to action. Through powerful short films created by and about local nonprofits, the Festival spotlights the essential work happening quietly across our communities—and invites attendees to see, feel, and respond.
This is where hope rises. Where stories illuminate solutions. Where generosity is sparked.
The Utah Nonprofit Film Festival elevates nonprofits and their supporters, cultivating a shared sense of purpose and possibility. Attendees will walk away not only moved, but empowered to act—reminded that investing in the nonprofit sector is one of the most meaningful ways to shape a better, more compassionate future for our community.
Please note that the nonprofit application period is now closed. Stay tuned for event registration details. See below for opportunities to support this unique and impactful event.
Film Festival Updates
May 5, 2025: Nonprofit Application Opens
Nonprofit applications open for the first-ever Utah Nonprofit Film Festival. The in-kind grant, valued at a total of $120,000, will pair twelve promising nonprofits with experienced storytellers and filmmakers, to explore new ways to communicate their impact on Utah's communities. The organizations will spend the summer working on their individual documentary films while learning how to better tell their stories to reach new audiences.
July 7, 2025: Finalists Selected
The twelve nonprofit finalists are selected for the 2025 Utah Nonprofit Film Festival. They are:
- Bears Ears Partnership
- Canyonlands Field Institute
- Citizens Against Physical & Sexual Abuse (CAPSA)
- Columbus Community Center
- Flourish Therapy, Inc.
- Friends of the Children - Utah
- Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area
- HEAL Utah
- Project Connection Utah
- The Children's Center Utah
- Wasatch Adaptive Sports
- Youth Futures
July 30, 2025: Storytelling Masterclass
The twelve promising organizations featured in this year’s Utah Nonprofit Film Festival gathered for a Storytelling Master Class on July 30, led by our festival filmmaker, Issimo Story Agency. During the day-long session, they explored their organizations' unique identity, core values, and specific impact on Utah's people and natural resources. Collectively, these organizations represent missions and communities that span the entire state.
While each organization will receive its own short film documenting the stories, contributions, and impact behind their missions, we will present all twelve woven together as one at the Utah Nonprofit Film Festival. We can’t wait for you to experience the results this November.
November 10, 2025: The Utah Nonprofit Film Festival
The featured nonprofits are busy working on their films, which will debut as a single, powerful narrative at the Utah Nonprofit Film Festival on November 10 at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Learn about Utah's promising changemakers, find new opportunities to support meaningful causes, and celebrate the incredible work happening across our state. Space is limited, register today!
About Issimo Story Agency
Issimo believes in helping people be their best self and that stories have the power to change lives. Founded in 2006, they help mission-driven organizations inspire their audiences and attract capital through social impact storytelling.
Sponsorship
The Utah Nonprofit Film Festival is made possible thanks to generous sponsors and community partners. Sponsorship opportunities are still available to help support training, production, and event programming.
Interested in sponsoring the Utah Nonprofit Film Festival, or another UNA Signature Event? Browse the Sponsorship Opportunities Brochure.
The 2025 Utah Nonprofit Film Festival is supported by generous funding from the Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program.
Have Questions?
We’re here to help! Contact us for more info on the festival, eligibility, and what to expect.