Spectra Charity

Grants Guidance

Spectra Charity (Reg 1174045) aims to promote and protect the good health and wellbeing of individuals in London and surrounding areas; in particular, groups who are socially marginalised, at particular risk and/or economically disadvantaged, by providing peer led clear, accurate and credible information, advice and support services.

The work of Spectra Charity reflects and supports the work of Spectra CIC (Reg 07975254). Spectra CIC work particularly with LGBTQ+ communities, including young people and adults, offering counselling (group, 121, creative and talking therapies), independent health advocacy, social groups, peer mentoring, sexual health support, testing, training and outreach.

Spectra Charity will initiate our first Grants round in 2023 – The Simon Dennis Award, in memory of our previous Trustee. These grants aim to support small, grassroots organisations with aims and objectives which align with Spectra’s own vision. To find out more please view the Eligibility Criteria below, and if you wish to apply, please download the form.

Spectra are working towards a world where all communities reach their full potential by being empowered and supported to make positive, informed life-choices.

With this in mind we would welcome applications from community groups and grass-routes organisations that are supporting individuals experiencing discrimination or stigma and lack of opportunity on the grounds of their gender, sexuality, trans status, and health inequalities.

We are particularly looking to support initiatives that challenge and dismantle barriers experienced as a result of deprivation and inequalities.

• Grants will be considered and awarded up to twice per year.
• Separate to this award, individuals may apply for a hardship grant at any time of the year if they are a current service user at Spectra. You will need to do this via a staff member at Spectra.

• Grants are limited to local, London-based organisations and groups, with a turnover less than £100,000. Grants are not available to statutory providers, local council initiatives or NHS trusts.
• Although organisations should be registered charities or constituted not-for-profit groups, applications for assistance will be considered from not-for-profit unincorporated support/ membership groups.
  
  If you are a not-for-profit, unincorporated or membership group, you will need a charitable or not for profit organisation to sponsor your application.
• The grant applications must align with Spectra's mission, aims and the type of work we do. More information about these can be found on Spectra's website - www.spectra-london.org.uk
• There will be a maximum of two grant rounds per year, in Spring and Autumn. Where a grant round is initiated, deadlines for submissions will be April and October. Applicants may submit bids at any point in the year, however they will only be considered during a promoted grants round.
• The application form must be accompanied by copies of the last accounts of your group, a copy of the constitution (rules), and if you produce one, a copy of the latest annual report.
• The application forms should be submitted via email to grants@spectra-london.org.uk
• Successful applicants will be notified 21 days after the closing date.
• Spectra will only consider one application per year per organisation/ group to the grant's initiative.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of your application, you may contact Aneela Majid (Trust & Foundations Fundraiser) at aneela@spectra-london.org.uk

Grants criteria

Up to a maximum value of £2,500. This is open to organisations and community groups. The maximum number of grants awarded will be 6.

If you are an unincorporated group, a reference or community sponsor will be required as supporting evidence of your organisation/ groups genuine need and relative financial stability, and to provide banking administration (a named charitable organisation) for the grant.

For the application form, click on Grant Application.

You will need to send the required documents as stated in Point 5 of guidelines above.

At the end of the project, recipients will be required to complete a one-off narrative report, including a case study, photos if available, and account for the expenditure of the grant in line with the application.

Where an application has been refused, we will aim to provide feedback whenever possible. We are a small team at Spectra, please bear in mind that this may not always be possible.

Grant Application Form - How to apply

Grant Application Form