About The Walnuts – Nuttin’ like the rest
Having witnessed extensive suffering both in the Netherlands and abroad, we’ve made it our mission to improve the lives of people in vulnerable circumstances. Instead of reinventing the wheel by starting another NGO, we chose to enhance existing organizations already doing great work but in need of additional support.
Driving Change with Diverse Expertise
We bring to the table our extensive expertise in coordination, communication, managerial and leadership positions from both the not-for-profit sector and the corporate world. As pioneers and change-makers, we see potential, embrace innovative ideas, and coordinate change and transition. We’re not afraid to push boundaries to advance a cause or idea, and we thrive on overcoming challenges.
Double the Dedication, Singular Vision
Engaging us at The Walnuts could mean drawing on our specific, individual expertise or having us join forces to deliver compounded results. Those who have worked with us know the magic that happens when we team up. Not only do we complement each other, offsetting weaknesses with strengths, but we also genuinely love working together. At The Walnuts, you get two brains, four eyes, four ears, and four hands, but it’s our singular, unified vision and synergy that truly sets us apart. We can collaborate on the same project or take on different ones – either way, our shared passion for what we do ensures that you reap double the benefits.
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We’re nuts about our work
And here’s where it’s taken us
Though our base is in The Netherlands, we’re not confined by geography. Our work has taken us to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Iraq, Uganda, Kenya, India, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, South Sudan, and Switzerland. We operate impartially, are not bound by any borders, and adapt quickly to basic living conditions.
Organizations where we’ve cracked nuts in the past…
We’ve served various clients across diverse fields, ranging from communications/marketing to coaching, project management, interim country-directorships, and organizational advisories to grants and information coordination. We’ve had the pleasure to work with a diverse range of organizations, including Bouwfonds, Bzzzonder, Compassion Nederland, Diabetes Fonds, DHV, Dorcas, Edukans, Medair, Nierstichting, Red een Kind, See You Foundation, Solutions, Tear, Tearfund, World Servants, World Vision, Woord en Daad, and ZOA.
We’re nuts about our work
And here’s where it’s taken us
Though our base is in The Netherlands, we’re not confined by geography. Our work has taken us to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Iraq, Uganda, Kenya, India, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, South Sudan, and Switzerland. We operate impartially, are not bound by any borders, and adapt quickly to basic living conditions.
Organizations where we’ve cracked nuts in the past…
We’ve served various clients across diverse fields, ranging from communications/marketing to coaching, project management, interim country-directorships, and organizational advisories to grants and information coordination. We’ve had the pleasure to work with a diverse range of organizations, including Bouwfonds, Bzzzonder, Compassion Nederland, Diabetes Fonds, DHV, Dorcas, Edukans, Medair, Nierstichting, Red een Kind, See You Foundation, Solutions, Tear, Tearfund, World Servants, World Vision, Woord en Daad, and ZOA.
Wendy
“Cracking the tough nuts so you don’t have to.”
Willem
Our ethical code
At the core of our operations is an unwavering commitment to a robust ethical code. We adhere to the highest international standards, including the Red Cross Code of Conduct and the Core Humanitarian Standard, and choose not to collaborate with organizations that do not uphold these values.
Inclusivity:
We welcome and champion people from all walks of life, encompassing a myriad of identities. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, races, ethnicities, cultures, national origins, social and economic classes, educational levels, colours, immigration statuses, sexes, ages, sizes, family statuses, political beliefs and religions.
Diversity:
We firmly believe that strength lies in diversity. Different perspectives stemming from varied backgrounds are invaluable in problem-solving and idea generation.
Resilience:
We foster an environment that focuses on solutions and learning from mistakes rather than indulging in blame games.
No Discrimination:
We’re committed to creating a work environment free from discrimination and unlawful harassment. Every decision we make is geared towards getting the job done, rather than being influenced by personal preferences.
Confidentiality:
We hold the confidentiality of the organisations we work with as sacrosanct. We respect and safeguard the information entrusted to us at all times.
Integrity:
Above all, we uphold integrity. This means we maintain honesty and clear communication in all our work environments. We do what we say and say what we do!
Our ethical code is not just a statement—it’s the compass that guides all our interactions, decisions, and the work we do. We are committed to adhering to these principles to create a positive and impactful working environment.
Our ethical code
At the core of our operations is an unwavering commitment to a robust ethical code. We adhere to the highest international standards, including the Red Cross Code of Conduct and the Core Humanitarian Standard, and choose not to collaborate with organizations that do not uphold these values.
Inclusivity:
We welcome and champion people from all walks of life, encompassing a myriad of identities. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, races, ethnicities, cultures, national origins, social and economic classes, educational levels, colours, immigration statuses, sexes, ages, sizes, family statuses, political beliefs and religions.
Diversity:
We firmly believe that strength lies in diversity. Different perspectives stemming from varied backgrounds are invaluable in problem-solving and idea generation.
Resilience:
We foster an environment that focuses on solutions and learning from mistakes rather than indulging in blame games.
No Discrimination:
We’re committed to creating a work environment free from discrimination and unlawful harassment. Every decision we make is geared towards getting the job done, rather than being influenced by personal preferences.
Confidentiality:
We hold the confidentiality of the organisations we work with as sacrosanct. We respect and safeguard the information entrusted to us at all times.
Integrity:
Above all, we uphold integrity. This means we maintain honesty and clear communication in all our work environments. We do what we say and say what we do!
Our ethical code is not just a statement—it’s the compass that guides all our interactions, decisions, and the work we do. We are committed to adhering to these principles to create a positive and impactful working environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section! Here, we’ve compiled a list of queries we commonly receive about The Walnuts. This section aims to provide clear, concise answers to help you better understand our services, our approach, and our values. If your question isn’t addressed here, please feel free to contact us directly. We’re always ready to assist you and clarify any queries you might have about our work. Enjoy exploring, and we look forward to supporting you!
What types of organizations do you typically work with?
We typically work with a diverse range of socially conscious organizations that aim to make a meaningful impact. While our experience extensively spans NGOs and non-profit organizations, we also work with social enterprises, foundations, and community-based organizations. We’ve offered our services to a broad spectrum of clients, from those focusing on humanitarian aid and disaster response to those involved in education, health, and social justice. Regardless of the organization’s size or mission, if there’s a commitment to creating positive societal change, we’re ready to offer our expertise to help them overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. To learn more about the specific projects and organizations we’ve worked with, please visit the ‘About The Walnuts – Nuttin’ like the rest’ section for a glimpse of our track record.
What is your approach to grant writing and proposal development?
Our approach to grant writing and proposal development is collaborative, detailed, and centered around your organization’s unique values and goals. We believe that effective proposals are a result of an in-depth understanding of both the donor’s objectives and the needs of the community your organization serves. A key component of our approach is embracing the principles of localization, involving the communities you serve from the very beginning to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are central to the proposal. Here’s how we go about it: First, we start with a deep dive into your organization—understanding your mission, vision, values, and the context in which you operate. We also familiarize ourselves with your target donors, studying their priorities and preferences to ensure we tailor the proposals accordingly. Next, we work in close collaboration with your team and the communities you serve. This collaboration involves building a shared understanding of the project objectives and ensuring that the needs of the community are at the forefront of the proposal. We believe that your insights and the insights of the community are crucial to creating a compelling and successful proposal. Then, we dissect the donor’s guidelines meticulously. This includes a careful review of how questions are asked and ensuring we address each aspect, reflecting how your project aligns with the donor’s objectives. Lastly, throughout this process, we ensure that the essence of your organization isn’t lost. We strive to create a proposal that not only meets the donor’s criteria but also genuinely reflects what your organization stands for, the positive change it aims to bring, and the voices of the communities it serves. In essence, our approach is a delicate balancing act—aligning donor’s objectives with your organization’s mission, all while crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with all stakeholders involved. Can you help us if we don’t have any experience with grant applications? This is a common concern for many organizations, especially smaller ones. Reassure them about your ability to guide them through the process.
What is your success rate in securing funding?
Our grant and proposal writing services have consistently demonstrated a solid success rate, with an average of 25% to 35% of our submissions securing funding. This success rate, while influenced by various factors such as the funding sector, grant type, specific donor organization, and internal decisions, illustrates our competence and strategic approach. Yet, our philosophy extends beyond the binary of success and failure. We see every grant application, whether successful or not, as an enriching learning opportunity. Each proposal, regardless of the outcome, serves as a stepping-stone that refines our strategy, sharpens our understanding of donor priorities, and navigates us through the ever-changing landscape of grant funding. These valuable insights not only enhance the quality of our future proposals but also fortify our capabilities in drafting compelling and effective grants. Your mission deserves the funding it requires to make an impact, and we’re committed to helping you secure it. Let’s work together to make your vision a reality.
How do you handle confidentiality and sensitive information?
At The Walnuts, we take confidentiality and the handling of sensitive information very seriously. Trust is fundamental to our work, and we’re committed to building and maintaining it with every organization we work with. We understand the importance of privacy, and we assure you that all your data and sensitive information are handled with the utmost care and respect. All the information you share with us remains strictly confidential. We adhere to rigorous data handling practices, and we never disclose, distribute, or use your information without your explicit permission. We use encrypted and secure systems for storing and transferring data to ensure maximum protection against any unauthorized access or breach. We also comply with all relevant data protection laws and regulations and implement strict guidelines within our team about how data is accessed, used, and stored. When we work on projects involving sensitive data, we’re extra vigilant about the security measures in place.
In essence, we treat your information as we would want our own to be treated: with utmost care, confidentiality, and respect. While we draw upon our extensive experience and the non-confidential knowledge we’ve gained across projects to benefit all our clients, we always ensure that specific details, data, and sensitive information pertaining to each organization are kept strictly confidential. Maintaining your privacy and trust is paramount to us.
What happens if a grant application is unsuccessful?
Unsuccessful grant applications, although disappointing, are valuable learning opportunities for us. We begin by thoroughly reviewing the feedback received from the donor, if available, to understand their perspective and the reasons behind their decision. We also conduct our own internal review, assessing every part of the proposal to identify areas where we could have done better. This process allows us to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses in our proposal, and more importantly, to formulate strategies to improve future submissions. We then share these insights with you, providing a detailed evaluation report that outlines our findings and recommendations. We see every unsuccessful application as a stepping stone towards a successful one, using these experiences to refine our approach, enhance our skills, and improve our future proposals. In essence, an unsuccessful grant application is not the end of the process; it’s an integral part of our ongoing journey to learn, improve, and eventually secure the funding your organization needs to make a difference.
What other services do you offer aside from grant writing and proposal development?
Beyond grant writing and proposal development, The Walnuts offers a broad spectrum of services aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and impact of your organization. Consultative Leadership and Interim Management is one of our key offerings. Whether you’re in need of a leader to bridge a temporary capacity gap or navigate through critical transition processes, our expertise in consultative leadership roles and leading cross-cultural teams ensures your organization remains on track with its strategic goals. We also specialize in enhancing Team Performance. If you’re aiming to foster a high-performing, self-managing team, we provide mentorship and coaching, nurturing effective communication, and fostering a growth-oriented environment. We focus on people and their potential, guiding them to become the powerhouse behind your organization’s success. In addition, we offer services in Change Management. We understand that change, while constant, can also be challenging. However, we view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Leveraging our extensive experience and expertise, we assist your organization in navigating change smoothly, ensuring it becomes more effective, resilient, and future-ready. Lastly, we also assist in the development of compelling Impact Stories. These narratives provide a human touch, helping to connect your audience with your cause and showcasing the tangible impact of your work. Our services are versatile and designed to meet a variety of organizational needs. You can find more detailed descriptions of these offerings under our Services.
Do you provide long-term support or is it project-based?
Absolutely, we provide both project-based support and ongoing long-term assistance. Our approach is flexible and tailored to the unique needs of your organization. For project-based support, we collaborate on specific tasks or goals, such as creating a grant proposal, managing a transition, or enhancing team performance. We’re committed to delivering high-quality results within the project’s timeframe. As for ongoing support, we establish a long-term relationship with your organization. We provide consistent guidance and assistance, stepping in whenever and wherever our expertise is needed. This could involve filling recurring capacity gaps, offering strategic advice, or providing continuity in periods of change. A great example is our enduring partnership with Woord en Daad, where we have been providing multifaceted support over the years. However, we always ensure our arrangements align with the freelance rules and regulations. We aim to deliver the support you need in the most compliant and beneficial way possible.
What are your fees and payment structure?
Our fees and payment structure are tailored according to the specific services required by your organization. Given the diverse range of services we offer – from consultative leadership and interim management to enhancing team performance and grant writing – the costs can vary. We understand that every organization is unique and therefore, we prefer to discuss your specific needs during an initial consultation. After understanding your requirements, we can provide a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, time frame, and associated costs. While we don’t offer a standard fee structure, we always strive to provide fair and transparent pricing that delivers value for money and aligns with your budget considerations. We’re committed to creating beneficial partnerships that support the valuable work your organization does.
How can we start working together?
Initiating a partnership with The Walnuts begins with a simple step – reaching out to us. We highly value every connection and potential collaboration, as we believe in the power of collective action for creating social impact. After you contact us, we’ll first assess if there’s a potential match between your needs and our expertise. If we see a promising synergy, we will then arrange an initial, no-obligation consultation to discuss your organization’s objectives and challenges in greater detail. This step is crucial for understanding how we can best serve you and for building a relationship rooted in mutual trust and respect. Please note that while we’re passionate about every opportunity, we’re committed to offering the highest quality of service to all our partners. This means our availability may sometimes be limited due to our ongoing commitments. However, we assure you that we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs or, if needed, propose the next feasible timeline. Every partnership we enter into is treated with an open mind and shared dedication to your mission. Regardless of your needs or the size of your organization, we’re excited to start this journey with you, and help you make a lasting, positive impact.
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!