Grant Research and Writing

The Berkeley Springs Castle Foundation’s mission is to restore and maintain the historic Berkeley Springs Castle, listed on the National Historic Registry, preserving it for the future and opening it to our community. Our organization is searching for a grant researcher and writer to assist our team in finding and applying for grants that fit within the scope of our mission: building and grounds repair and development projects, programming and operating budget.

Some initial research and applications have been submitted by our team already, but we aim to expand our knowledge of available grants, submit more grant applications, and learn how to set ourselves up for success from a knowledgeable grant writer.

The volunteer position lasts for eight weeks, with an option to extend if desired. We will have weekly team meetings online, and the bulk of the work will be done independently on a flexible remote basis. These hours can be applies to the President's Volunteer Service Award.

Project deliverables:
-reviewing our existing grant proposal template and suggesting improvements
-researching up to 15 relevant grant opportunities based on our strategic goals and programmatic focus areas
-crafting a grant proposal for one of the newly identified opportunities

The Berkeley Springs Castle (www.berkeleyspringscastle.com) is the most iconic landmark in Morgan County, West Virgina. Constructed in the Gilded Age by a romantic couple looking for a party house outside of bustling DC, it’s stone tower and terraced gardens are a stunning sight on Warm Springs Mountain. Over time, despite its listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Castle fell into disrepair. The Berkeley Springs Castle Foundation purchased the Castle in 2020 and has worked diligently to bring the Castle back into show condition. The first year, a massive project rebuilding the main roof after a tree fall eliminated most of our budget. Over time, we have developed revenue streams through event ticketing and historical tours, but these opportunities are not lucrative enough to sustain the ongoing needs of this magnificent structure. Our team is aware that grant funding is available for our much-needed projects but we don’t know just how to access it. Your help in reaching this financial support will turn back the ill effects of neglect and help restore the Castle to its original glory, preserving our history and inspiring the future.

You will be working directly with our leadership team in weekly online meetings. We will provide you with a document that shares the product of our current grant research and background on previous grant application successes and failures. We will also share login information to the grant research and application assistant GrantStation.