By The Friends of the Stone Church (FOSC) seeks an experienced contract grant writer to secure funding for the final phase of steeple stabilization for its 1874 former Trinitarian Congregational Church, located in the Gilbertville National Register Historic District, Hardwick, Massachusetts. Stabilization will secure the future of this architectural landmark at an estimated cost of approximately $400,000.
FOSC seeks a grant writer with:
- knowledge of appropriate state, federal, and historic preservation-related funding opportunities
- an ability to write a compelling narrative in straightforward language, and a history of successful grant procurement
The chosen grant writer will provide FOSC with a listing of available grants and application deadlines, including recommendations as to which are most worthy of pursuit. Compensation is to be negotiated in terms of an hourly rate to be presented as a clearly understood time commitment, or a flat fee for each completed and submitted grant application.
Previous restoration work on the building has been conducted under the volunteer guidance of historic preservation architect, Phillip Warbasse, who is prepared to work closely with the chosen grant writer, during the grant-seeking process. In addition to the comprehensive architectural information that Mr. Warbasse can provide, FOSC has in-hand all grant-required legal forms and documents.
The Former Church and its Current Use Over the past eleven years, FOSC, a charitable (501 c3) organization led by an all-volunteer board, has transformed this architecturally and culturally significant landmark from a state of disrepair into a vibrant community asset: the Stone Church Cultural Center.
Through a combination of successful grant applications and solicited community donations, FOSC raised over $600,000, which has been invested in restoration and essential improvements to the building. These efforts have made the building suitable for the myriad events now taking place in its halls and on its surrounding grounds – performances by world-renowned musicians, organ-accompanied silent films, recitals, fun days for children, workshops, community dinners, weddings, and funerals. The 40-member multi-town Weir River Concert Band and the smaller Weir River Jazz make the cultural center their home. Here they practice two days a week between September and June and give four free concerts over the course of the year.
If you would like to be part of a hard-working team determined to finish this significant community project, please contact Judith Edington, President: judithedington@friendsofthestonechurch.org or Judith Knight, Vice-President: judithknight@friendsofthestonechurch.org Documents available online: Historic Preservation Architect Phillip Warbasse’s Resume and Information Slides about FOSC.
