Wendy Ward, a long-time columnist for unLTD and founder of Let’s Save Consultancy Services, has spent nearly two decades championing nonprofits and social enterprises. Since becoming self-employed in 2008, Wendy has focused on helping organisations secure funding, reduce overheads and make a real difference in their communities. With an impressive track record, including raising over £3 million for various causes, she’s ready to tackle 2025 with renewed ambition and innovative programmes aimed at addressing two critical challenges facing the sector.
Wendy has identified two key issues holding back social enterprises and nonprofits. Firstly, many emerging social enterprises fail to set up correctly or compliantly, which often leaves them unable to secure crucial funding in their formative years, threatening their sustainability.
At the same time, nonprofits frequently lack access to skilled independent consultants or funding experts who can guide them in creating effective funding strategies, leaving many organisations struggling to make the impact they envision.
To address these challenges, Wendy piloted two key initiatives in 2024. Her CIC Set Up and Go™ course was designed to help social entrepreneurs establish Community Interest Companies (CICs) with minimal stress and in a way that maximises their ability to secure funding.
Delivered over 10 weeks in manageable two-hour online sessions, the programme takes participants through the entire process of setting up a compliant CIC. From drafting a CIC36 form and articles of association to setting up HMRC accounts and financial forecasts, participants are guided step by step.
One of the standout features of the programme is its focus on funding readiness. Attendees not only leave with a registered CIC but also with a business plan, a strategic funding roadmap, and a grant application ready to cover start-up costs and initial project delivery.
Wendy’s approach ensures that these new organisations are well-positioned to make a tangible impact from day one. During the pilot, a participant successfully registered their CIC with Companies House in just four hours, thanks to Wendy’s comprehensive guidance.
Wendy said: “The idea is to take a social entrepreneur from a standing start to a fully registered, compliant and fundable nonprofit with business planning and a strategic funding plan both in place. We aim for them to leave the course bid ready, with an application submitted to cover all set up costs and initial project delivery.”
For established nonprofits, Wendy offers the Get Funded!™ programme, which equips staff and business owners with the knowledge and tools they need to master funding strategies.
Like her CIC course, it’s delivered online during weekly lunchtime sessions, making it accessible for busy professionals. The programme begins by demystifying the complex world of funding. Participants learn to distinguish between categories of funding and how funding is spent and monitored.
Speaking more about the programme, Wendy said: “We firstly breakdown all the jargon and mystique of the sector – ensuring that attendees have a level playing field of knowledge – knowing the difference between restricted and unrestricted funding, core and capital funding and have a real understanding of filling funding gaps and not chasing the cash!”
Half the programme is devoted to mastering grant and trust funding, while the other half explores alternative revenue streams, including corporate sponsorships, crowdfunding, legacy giving, and philanthropy.
Wendy ensures that attendees leave with practical tools and strategies they can immediately implement. The programme has already proven its effectiveness, with one pilot attendee securing two £1,500 grants after just two sessions. Wendy’s believes her practical approach gives nonprofits the confidence to tackle their financial challenges head-on, helping them to secure the future of their organisations.
Her vision for 2025 is rooted in her desire to see more social entrepreneurs establish sustainable and impactful CICs. By addressing gaps in knowledge and support, she hopes to empower more organisations to secure the resources they need to thrive in the social economy. She is particularly passionate about enabling nonprofits and social enterprises to take ownership of their financial goals and responsibilities, ensuring they can deliver meaningful outcomes for the communities that rely on them.
Her work extends far beyond these programmes though. During the pandemic, Wendy pivoted her business to address urgent funding needs, supporting organisations in accessing resources that kept them afloat during a challenging period.
Her influence has been far-reaching, helping groups focused on vulnerable adults, young people, domestic abuse, health and wellbeing, and community isolation. She has also contributed to initiatives such as Doncaster Chamber of Commerce’s Launchpad Wealth Builder scheme, where she provides training to equip nonprofits with essential skills for success.
Wendy’s unwavering passion for the sector and her hands-on approach have earned her a reputation as a trusted ally and an invaluable resource, whether it’s helping to establish a new CIC or guiding nonprofits through the intricacies of funding.
For those interested in participating in either of Wendy’s programmes, more information can be obtained by contacting her at 0772 9481010 or via email at wendy@letssave.biz.
