Environmental charity Stroud Valleys Project is urgently appealing for donations to help survive through to the next financial year.
"Like many charities we are finding it hard to raise the money to keep going and are appealing to people to sign up as our Friends and give us a regular amount every year. If we could get 1,000 families to pledge just £25 a year that would help us to plan for the future," said SVP chief executive Clare Mahdiyone. "If we don't reach our target then we will have radically rethink our future in the town."
It is especially poignant that the charity is appealing for funds now as they are due to celebrate their 25th anniversary in February 2013. The charity, which was founded in 1988, has had its grant cut by Stroud District Council each year since 2009 and despite trying many other ways of raising funds including opening a eco shop in Threadneedle St, has been unable to make up the shortfall.
"We know we are not the only charity in this position and that the economic situation is affecting charities nationwide and like any small business our costs have increased."
According to recent research from the Charities Aid Foundation one in six charities believe they could face closure in the coming year amid public spending cuts and falling donations. John Low, chief executive of CAF, said: "Times are tough and people have less money to donate to charities. This, combined with significant public spending cuts and increased demand for charity services, is having a shocking effect on many charities, calling into question their very viability."
People can donate directly through the Stroud Valleys Project website www.stroudvalleysproject.org by going to the home page and clicking on the red button, or sending a cheque or by calling into the eco shop in Threadneedle St.