Empowering Underrepresented Young Londoners: A Pro Bono Partnership with Light Foundations

The Challenge

Light Foundations is a London-based social enterprise helping young people from underrepresented backgrounds gain the skills and confidence to find meaningful work.

When the Mayor of London’s Talent Brokerage fund opened, it felt like a perfect fit. But with limited internal resource and a number of recent self-funded projects, professional bid support was not an option.

Their previous applications had been written in-house, time-consuming and difficult to align with funder expectations. The challenge was to translate a great idea into a strong, fundable proposal.

“It’s very challenging… every funder has their own language, and this isn’t our speciality. We’re often up against big players”

Esther Chimfwembe, Founder, Light Foundations

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Our Solution

As part of our social value commitment to support social enterprises, Bespoke Bids randomly selected Light Foundations from a list of eligible entrants to receive pro bono bid-writing support.

Our consultant, Matty Hearn, worked closely with founder Esther Chimfwembe to turn their early ideas into a clear, compelling funding application.

Through a series of short, focused Teams consultations, Matty guided the organisation in:

• Structuring the proposal to align with authority’s target cohorts and funding aims
• Translating their existing work into measurable, fundable outcomes
• Presenting their evidence and track record in a way that told a stronger story

“With Teams he was able to just cover everything at the same time… it was much better than emails… very structured… very easy and very good”

Esther Chimfwembe

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Collaboration in Action

Working collaboratively online, we built the full bid narrative and addressed all technical elements of the submission. Even when the online portal created upload issues, our team worked directly with the client to ensure a smooth, on-time submission.

“Matty worked closely with us and was very knowledgeable and patient. He went above and beyond to ensure our bid was submitted on time. He made a large task feel manageable and effectively told our story.”

Light Foundations via Trustpilot

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The Outcome

Although the result is pending, the project has already made a lasting impact.

• Increased Confidence: The process gave the Light Foundations team a new approach and confidence to apply for future funding.
• Financial Support: Our pro bono contribution saved them thousands at a crucial time.
• Future Growth: If successful, the funding will allow them to hire dedicated staff and build new employer partnerships.
• Real Social Value: This project demonstrates our belief in supporting grassroots organisations that make a tangible difference.

“It’s given us encouragement that other organisations believe in what we’re doing.”

Esther Chimfwembe

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Looking Ahead

Light Foundations now plans to build on this momentum by applying for further funding, using the structure and learning developed through our support.

This partnership embodies what our social value work is all about: using our expertise to help community organisations grow, thrive and create lasting impact.

“You’re exceptionally organised, engaged and professional.”

Esther Chimfwembe

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Key Takeaways

• Expert support can turn a great idea into a fundable proposal
• Collaboration and structure make the bid process faster and more effective
• Social value isn’t just a promise – it’s practical support that changes outcomes