Simon Dennis Award

The Simon Dennis Award was established in memory of our friend, Board Member and Trustee, Simon Dennis, who sadly died in 2022.

Simon was a long‑time supporter of Spectra — fiercely intelligent, generous with his time, and always willing to challenge us to do better, smarter and more compassionate work. His lived experience and commitment to making a difference continue to shape the values and purpose of this award.

The most recent grant round took place in winter 2025. Applications are not currently open.

Information about any future rounds will be shared on this page when confirmed.

Grant Round Criteria

You can apply if your group meets the following criteria:

Grants of up to £2,500 are for non-profit groups in Greater London with an annual income of around £250,000 or less in the last financial year.

The 2025-2026 Simon Dennis awards are looking for applicants who can demonstrate that their work aligns with Spectra’s own vision:

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.

We are particularly interested in applications from London based groups and organisations run by and for refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum.

 

Spectra Charity will prioritise applications that:

  • Involve the communities and people they support in the planning, design and delivery of projects and services.
  • Demonstrate that staff and/ or project leads have lived experience connected to your group mission and aims.
  • Provide support or services that are free at the point of delivery.

Constituted Groups

  • Are not for profit
  • Clearly defined charitable aims in your constitution or manifesto
  • For the benefit LGBTQ+ people and people of colour with a focus on mental health / sexual health / wellbeing
  • Has a governing body (e.g. Members, Trustees or Directors) of at least three unrelated individuals
  • Has appropriate insurance and qualifications in place to deliver work
  • Can appoint a project sponsor to accept and disseminate funds to your group if you do not have a bank account
  • Can provide your / your sponsors most recent official accounts or financial records
  • The group / organisation must have a clear and effective Safeguarding Policy that includes:
    • appropriate and regular safeguarding training and frequent background checks for all people working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
    • The name and of your Safeguarding Lead.

For more information about Safeguarding plans see here Charity Commission website.

Registered Group or Organisation

  • Are not for profit
  • Clearly defined charitable aims in the group / organisation constitution or manifesto
  • For the benefit LGBTQ+ people and people of colour with a focus on mental health / sexual health / wellbeing
  • Has a Dissolution Clause / Asset Lock in the constitution (if a registered organisation)
  • Has a governing body (e.g. Trustees or Directors) of at least three unrelated members
  • Has a formal written agreement for payments of any governing body members
  • Can evidence appropriate insurance and qualifications in place to deliver work
  • Can provide a copy of your most recent official accounts or financial records
  • Can show that your organisation is solvent, and any projections illustrate that your organisation is likely to remain solvent for the duration of the grant
  • The group / organisation must have a clear and effective Safeguarding Policy that includes:
    • appropriate and regular safeguarding training and frequent background checks for all people working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
    • The name and of your Safeguarding Lead.

For more information about Safeguarding plans see here Charity Commission website.

Income thresholds

  • Your organisation can apply is your annual income is around £250,000 or less.
  • If a grant takes your group / organisation income above £5,000 it will need to be registered with the Charity Commission or regulatory body that is appropriate for the structure you chose. More information is available on Charity Commission website.

Group legal identities

A constituted group is not an incorporated organisation and is not a legal body in its own right and has no separate legal identity. That means that individual members who enter into obligations, such as contracts, on behalf of the group are responsible as individuals for its debts and other liabilities. The key feature of unincorporated businesses or organisations is personal liability for the owner, partner, or member of the management committee. If you are on the management committee of an unincorporated association your personal assets are at risk if the assets of the organisation are not sufficient to cover all the debts and liabilities.

If you need help to develop any aspect of your governance, contact your local Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) which can be found by following the link here: Councils for Voluntary Services and Volunteer Centres in London.