Skilled grant writer and critical reviewer delivering impactful proposals.
“Where passion meets purpose: building brighter futures.”
Seeking guidance to design impactful projects, craft compelling proposals, or translate donor expectations into winning submissions? Need a critical friend to review your work or translate your annual reports into donor-aligned language? Let’s ensure your (I)NGO’s story resonates and secures the support it deserves.
Services
See how these services empower your projects and proposals to make a lasting impact.
About me
Learn how I work – fit in your team, inspire collaboration, and deliver quick, impactful results that lighten your workload and bring ideas to life!
Contact
Reach out and let’s make an impact together!
The extra support you need – strengthening your impact!
Every organisation faces moments when an extra pair of hands—or a fresh perspective—is invaluable. That’s where I step in. With nearly 20 years of experience in the humanitarian and development sectors, I support (I)NGOs in designing and writing impactful proposals, asking the critical questions that shape strong projects, and aligning their work with donor expectations.
Whether you’re navigating a busy period, covering for team members on leave, or tackling a complex proposal, I bring practical, tailored support to help your organisation thrive. I also offer training on proposal writing and working with AI, equipping teams with tools to improve their effectiveness and meet donor standards.
I thrive in roles where I can provide critical reviews with a smile, collaborate closely with teams, and translate innovative ideas into clear, compelling donor language. From updating needs assessment reports to crafting winning proposals, I ensure your work is aligned with donor priorities and communicates the impact you aim to achieve.
Having worked abroad in some of the world’s most challenging contexts for over seven years and continuing my dedication to the sector today, I bring real-world experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed. My goal is not just to help you meet deadlines but to empower your team to achieve meaningful, lasting impact.
If you’re looking for support with project design, proposal writing, or strategic advice during busy times, let’s connect and see how I can help.
Then, you’re in the right place!
We’re here to unburden your team and strengthen your organization. Whether it’s a period of transition or a time of growth, we step in to provide crucial leadership and guidance. We’re not just about filling gaps – we’re about bolstering your capacity to thrive, whatever the circumstances. The Walnuts brings to you a broad array of services, rooted in specialist knowledge gained from years of experience, learning from past mistakes, and numerous successfully completed projects. Our work spans three main areas per person in which we offer expert advice, grounded in comprehensive understanding, modern approaches, and real-world experience.
Having served the most vulnerable for over seven years in some of the world’s most devastated countries, we’ve built significant expertise in the humanitarian sector. Leadership, strategy, embracing change, donor relationships, proposal development, security, coaching, and training are among the core elements that define who we are today.
We are fighters who can’t stand idle in the face of poverty or injustice. We are entrepreneurs who see opportunities in challenges. We are a dedicated team that never backs down and always delivers.
So, what are you waiting for? Embark on your journey with The Walnuts today, and let’s transform lives together!
Wendy
“Cracking the tough nuts so you don’t have to.”
Willem
Recent articles
In a nutshell
We’ve got it all in a nutshell for you.
We’ve got it all in a nutshell for you. At The Walnuts, we’re passionate about stepping in to fill gaps, driving transitional processes, and telling human-interest narratives that resonate. We’re nuts about aiding socially involved organisations and we’re ready to get cracking on your challenges.
Welcome to ‘The Walnuts’, a consultancy dedicated to helping non-profit organizations and other socially involved organisations transform their vision into reality. What begins as a casual coffee conversation with us, ends with a long-term inspiring relationship.
In our journey spanning more than 20 years, we have advised and supported organisations at home and abroad, combining our expertise from commercial jobs, social entrepreneurship, grant applications, and interim management positions. We have partnered with over 10 NGOs in the past three years, establishing a robust and efficient network. Whether you need remote advice or on-site support, we’re here to strengthen your organization.
In a nutshell
We’ve got it all in a nutshell for you.
We’ve got it all in a nutshell for you. At The Walnuts, we’re passionate about stepping in to fill gaps, driving transitional processes, and telling human-interest narratives that resonate. We’re nuts about aiding socially involved organisations and we’re ready to get cracking on your challenges.
Welcome to ‘The Walnuts’, a consultancy dedicated to helping non-profit organizations and other socially involved organisations transform their vision into reality. What begins as a casual coffee conversation with us, ends with a long-term inspiring relationship.
In our journey spanning more than 20 years, we have advised and supported organisations at home and abroad, combining our expertise from commercial jobs, social entrepreneurship, grant applications, and interim management positions. We have partnered with over 10 NGOs in the past three years, establishing a robust and efficient network. Whether you need remote advice or on-site support, we’re here to strengthen your organization.
Testimonials
“Willem is flexible and goes out of his way to make himself available if you need him. With great enthusiasm and involvement, he gives himself completely to the place that needs to be filled. Willem is a connector with humour and quickly sees where improvement is possible. Will rather do more than less for his client. Professional, very experienced and a pleasure to work with!”
“Wendy is an absolute joy to work with the most organized person that I have ever worked with and combines amazing organizational skills with warmth, great communication skills and determination to get the job done excellently, whatever it takes. She has first-class relational skills and builds a sense of team wherever she goes. Wendy is a hugely positive person who gets others on side and motivates them to do a high-quality job and be proud of what they achieve. She is a problem solver who anticipates what could go wrong and makes clear plans so as to avoid that happening. She is tenacious and hardworking. I recommend her wholeheartedly.”
“Willem has led, during my maternity leave, the World Vision Programmes team. He did an excellent job in a very complex time (Covid 19). He managed to hire four new well skilled team members and rearranged the way of working (mostly online). He brings great enthusiasm and motivates the team. He has good common sense and is able to facilitate decisions. Lastly he has great coaching skills. Willem, I look forward working with you in the future.”
It has been a great joy to work together with Wendy. Wendy is an enthusiastic team player. A hard worker. Result driven. With her energy and drive and excellent networking skills she has been able to set-up valuable relationships for Tearfund Netherlands with key players in the area of Institutional Fundraising. In the Netherlands as well as international. Her personal approach made it great fun to work with her!
Willem is unfailingly optimistic and enthusiastic which makes him a wonderful team player as well as leader when the chips are down. I worked with Willem when he brilliantly fulfilled two roles within Medair: Deputy Country Director in South Sudan and then Country Director for Nepal. In both contexts Willem was exemplary in his capability to manage people, projects and the inevitable challenges that came our way. Thanks to Willem’s leadership both country programmes thrived and he (and his wonderful wife Wendy) left genuine legacy through the empowerment of the staff and communities that Willem worked with and positively impacted. He is highly capable and dependable. Medair misses them both!
It was a great pleasure to work together with Wendy in the development of a grant proposal. Wendy has excellent communication and coordination skills and together with her enthusiasm and passion for the vulnerable we managed to develop an ambitious plan. Highly recommended!
Ready to bolster your organization’s impact?
Let’s start with a conversation. Great collaborations lie ahead!