APPLY
Shark Island Foundation has three funding programs: DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION and OUTREACH.
To be eligible to apply, films must first be approved by Documentary Australia.
Filmmakers can apply for a grant at any time. We are excited to see your projects!
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION
We’re excited to announce a new DEVELOPMENT initiative from SHARK ISLAND FOUNDATION and AIDC’s CUT TO THE CHASE.
Applications are now open for one of FOUR $25,000 development grants and a placement in the new Shark Island Kangaroo Valley Development Lab.
The Shark Island Foundation Feature Docs Pitch gives producers the opportunity to pitch at AIDC 2026 (2–5 March) for the chance to receive a development grant of $25,000 and to participate in a four-day creative residency at Shark Island Kangaroo Valley (12–15 May, 2026) to progress a feature documentary project.
Producers are invited to submit a feature-length documentary project (75 mins+) in development with a plan for theatrical or streaming release. The story can be of any genre but must be character-driven, have a distinctive point of view, with a creative vision and clear artistic style. Ideally, it should have the potential to shift thinking.
The Lab launches in 2026 as a four-day creative residency. Two members from each team will work closely with acclaimed filmmaker and story consultant Joseph Nizeti and the Shark Island team, who will provide tailored guidance to help shape and elevate their stories.
More information about Shark Island Kangaroo Valley.
Please note: applications for the Shark Island Feature Docs Pitch are made through AIDC’s Cut to the Chase program with applications closing on Friday 23 January, 2026 at 23:59 AEDT (or late deadline Friday 30 January, 2026). Projects must also apply to Documentary Australia for fiscal sponsorship (round closes 27th January, 2026)
PRODUCTION APPLICATION
Make sure you have read and understood WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR; The FAQs and the SUBMISSION CHECKLIST.
The Production fund is for films at pre-production, production or post-production stage.
The key requirements:
- Footage to share (concept reel, character compile or rough cut)
- 1–2 page proposal.
- Other sources of funding or a strategy for attracting funding
- A clear idea of who the audience is, how to reach them and the broader impact the film may have
We will endeavour to assess your application within 4–8 weeks and will be in touch to let you know if you’ve been successful or not. We may require further information and will contact you if needed.
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
Logline (50 words maximum)
1 paragraph (120 words maximum)
Written Proposal (500 words)
Team (500 word maximum)
Who are the key creative team (director, producer, EP, DoP, Editor). Describe the key team’s experience, expertise and passion. What will they bring to the project?
Funding, Audience & Release (500 words maximum)
Provide a summary of the financing strategy — how do you plan on funding the film? What funding is already in place? Who is your intended audience and how are you going to reach them? Where will it be seen and how will you execute a marketing and outreach strategy to find and engage the audience?
Project Stage and Timeline (up to 200 words). Explain the current status of the project. Outline the projected production timeline from the project’s current state to the anticipated completion date. Include anticipated production, post-production and release dates.
Financing
A–Z budget + Finance Plan (see Screen Australia toolbox)
Footage*
Concept, marketing or character reel (up to 10 minutes) or rough cut
*some footage is required to review a submission
OUTREACH APPLICATION
Make sure you have read and understood WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR; The FAQs and the SUBMISSION CHECKLIST.
This fund is for films at post-production stage. We are keen to offer these grants to films we have supported through a Production grant.
What we need to consider your application:
- a rough cut of your film
- A known pathway to audience (distributor, broadcaster, streaming platform, community engagement strategy)
- Partnerships in place
- A realistic and targeted outreach plan
The Foundation will also consider offering grants to a film’s key partner organisation if the film can be used to further their work.
We will endeavour to assess your application within 4–8 weeks and will be in touch to let you know if you’ve been successful or not. We may require further information and will contact you if needed.
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
Logline (50 words maximum)
1 paragraph (120 words maximum)
A short summary of your film, stage of production and release strategy
Team (200 words)
Who are the key creatives and who will be driving the outreach work?
Project Summary (300 words)
Outreach (Optional 1 page)
We will read your Documentary Australia application to assess your impact and vision goals but you can include an update or additional information
Financing
Budget breakdown of how the grant will be spent + other intended or confirmed sources of funding (template provided)
Footage
Current cut (rough/fine/completed film)
Please note: we are a small team and are not able to take telephone enquiries about the grants. Unfortunately we cannot provide details about the status of applications or reasons for not being accepted. Please read the About section, including the FAQs in detail. For other enquires please email us.