Grant Writing Volunteer — Historic Preservation (California SHPO) — Mabuhay Gardens (CrowdDoing)

Organization: Mabuhay Gardens (via CrowdDoing)

Initiative: Historic preservation funding

Location: Remote

Type: Volunteer, service-learning

Commitment: Flexible, part-time, ongoing

Reports into: Mabuhay Development Lead

About the initiative

Mabuhay Gardens is a storied cultural venue with a legendary history. The building has hosted performances by legends including Louis Armstrong, Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Dead Kennedys, Iggy Pop, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, The Specials, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Herbie Hancock, R.E.M., Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, Soundgarden, Bad Religion, Dave Chappelle, and many others. Via CrowdDoing, we are regenerating the Mab as a hybrid cultural ecosystem: live music, dance, comedy, rentals, popup culinary lab, off-peak wellness partnerships, art-walk activations, and solarpunk / regenerative-culture programming.

The Mabuhay Gardens building has historic significance and may qualify for California State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) grants for preservation and rehabilitation. We are looking for a grant writer with experience in historic preservation funding to research, identify, and write grant applications to California SHPO and related preservation funders.

What you'll do

- Research California SHPO grant programs and eligibility requirements for the Mab.

- Identify additional historic preservation funders at state and local levels.

- Draft compelling grant narratives that communicate the Mab's cultural and architectural significance.

- Coordinate with the producing team to gather documentation and supporting materials.

- Track application deadlines and manage submission timelines.

Who this role is for

Somebody with real, demonstrable skill in at least two of the following:

- Experience writing historic preservation grant applications (SHPO, NPS, or similar)

- Knowledge of California historic preservation programs and processes

- Strong research and writing skills

- Familiarity with cultural venue or arts organization fundraising

Time commitment & structure

- Flexible, part-time, mostly asynchronous

- Ongoing commitment, renewable

- Onboarding via CrowdDoing's standard volunteer orientation

CrowdDoing is an equal-opportunity volunteer organization. We welcome contributors of every background, geography, and career stage. This is an unpaid volunteer role and service-learning opportunity.