This Award, established in memory of Spectra’s friend, Board Member and Trustee who died in 2022, offers small grants for work which aligns with the organisation’s vision.

One-year grants of up to £2,500 are available for grassroots groups led by-and-for the communities they support, and which have an annual income of around £250,000 or less in the last financial year.

Spectra delivers inclusive, accessible sexual health and wellbeing services across London. Their work is led by people with lived experience and designed alongside the communities they serve – particularly LGBTQ+ communities, and other marginalised groups, including young people and adults. They offer counselling, independent health advocacy, social groups, peer mentoring, sexual health support, testing, training and outreach.

Their vision is:

For a future where LGBTQ+ people and people from other marginalised communities facing health inequalities, discrimination, and systemic barriers can make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.

The grant scheme exists to nurture and strengthen community led initiatives that improve sexual health and emotional wellbeing for people and communities most in need across London. They invest in grassroots organisations whose work promotes dignity, inclusion, empowerment, and access to high-quality support. 

They are keen to support grassroots agencies that are led by marginalised communities, including LGBTQ+, particularly trans and non-binary, Black and Global majority, refugees and asylum seekers, people with disabilities, people living with HIV, and those from sex worker backgrounds.

Applications are encouraged from agencies that support people with intersectional marginalised characteristics.

Past awardees are welcome to apply again.

They look for applications which are:

• community led
• equity focused
• flexible and supportive
• proportionate and accessible
• legacy honouring.

Awards to date have supported a wide range of community‑based projects, including work focused on mental wellbeing, sexual health, creative expression and peer‑led support.

Applications must be submitted through the organisation’s online form.

Questions about the Award can be emailed to grants@spectra-london.org.uk.

The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 1 June 2026.

In addition to this Award, individuals may apply for hardship grants at any time of the year if they are a current service user at Spectra. This must be submitted via a staff member.

For full details and to apply, visit the Spectra Charity Simon Dennis Award webpage here.