Shaking the Money Tree Helps Video Makers Find Funds

Shaking the Money Tree

Morrie Warshawski, 2003, Michael Wiese Productions
www.mwp.com
167 pp.
$27

Morrie Warshawski's book Shaking the Money Tree quickly became the number one must read for independent filmmakers looking to fund a project on something other than credit cards when it was first published 11 years ago. In its second edition, this concise yet thorough paperback continues to show those without a rich uncle how to approach individuals, foundations, government agencies and corporations for grants and donations.

This is not a lofty pep-rally of a book implying that everyone and every project can raise money. Warshawski tells it straight, using his 25 years of industry experience not only to explain what works in which situation and what he would avoid but he also lays out step by step strategies accompanied with real world examples such as sample budgets and sample grant applications. The "Elements of a Full Grant Proposal" alone is worth the cost of this book.

Raising money can be a full time job and Warshawski shows you the work you'll need to do on various fundraising paths. But if you are passionate about your project and you are ready to do the work, Shaking the Money Tree is the place to start your fundraising efforts. 5

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